Fencing

Planning heights, post depths, concrete mixes, neighbour rules.

All guides

Stub — growing

Last reviewed 20 May 2026

1 source

Regulations

Fences over 1 m next to a highway, or over 2 m elsewhere, need planning permission. ^[1]
Listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions can remove these permitted-development rights. ^[1]

Hints & tips

Before sinking a single post — CAT & Genny every hole position (HSE HSG47). Boundary lines are where incoming services run; a CAT alone won't see the plastic gas main running along the fence. Full method in the Safety guide.
Post depth: 600 mm for 1.8 m fences; 750 mm for exposed sites or 2 m fences. Always set 100 mm of MOT Type 1 in the bottom of the hole for drainage.
Postcrete: 1 bag per 100×100 mm post in a 200 mm-diameter hole. Use 2 bags on corner posts.
Set posts 1.83 m centres for standard panels; check actual panel width on delivery — 'six-foot' panels vary ±10 mm.
Gravel boards keep timber off wet ground — non-negotiable for fence lifespan.
On clay, dig post holes 100 mm wider than usual and add 100 mm of clean stone at the base — clay holds water and rots posts at the collar.
On sloping ground, step panels rather than racking them — racked panels rack the posts too and stress the brackets.

This app provides general UK guidance and material estimates only. It is not legal, planning, engineering or building-control advice. Always confirm requirements with your local planning authority, building control, utility providers, manufacturers or qualified professionals.