Fence rules are not as simple as you might think! Though they may appear to be simple structures, fence laws can be surprisingly complex. Fencing rules are quite important in the UK when it comes to land use, property rights, and even neighbour problems. Anyone thinking about constructing a fence, including landlords and homeowners, needs to be aware of these requirements.
We’ll cover fencing laws and regulations in the UK in this blog post, among many other topics. so please take a time to thoroughly read the information below!
What are the Property Boundaries in the UK?
Generally, it is a form of the cornerstone of fencing laws. When setting up fences, it’s important to know where one property ends and another one begins. Property borders in Britain are usually established by title documents, land record maps, or agreements between neighbours.
Property disagreements about limits are successive and can possibly decline in the event that they are not settled agreeably. Dubious limits can be settled using legitimate cures like limit arrangements or applications for choices to the Land Library.
Types of Fences and Permitted Heights:
The type and height of fences, as well as other factors, might depend on your location, the type of property you own, and other local rules and regulations.
In general, rules for residential properties may differ from those for commercial spaces or agricultural land. The most well-known kinds of walls may be wooden, steel fences, or supports. There are no severe deciding principles, however nearby gatherings likewise could have their rules or limitations. Height is another characteristic of the region.
For example, in residential areas, you may be allowed to have the fence on the front side at a height of around one metre and the one at the backside is mostly allowed to be double that, around two. However, this is different for every local council.
Shared Boundaries and Responsibilities:
Shared boundaries and responsibilities are one of the factors contributing to neighbours’ shared responsibility for their maintenance. As a rule, many properties share boundaries with surrounding landowners, and thus, passengers should contribute to fence-keeping.
For instance, the legal principle “T” is used to determine the side of a boundary that belongs to a certain landowner. Disputes about the extent to which maintenance costs, repairs, or alterations should be distributed between property owners, are regulated by the Party Wall Act 1996. Principles of equity and fairness between the neighbours facilitate the process of fence maintenance.
Fences and Planning Permission:
In most cases, no planning permission is required for fencing. However, planning permission is necessary if liability conditions such as a listed property or if the fence is to be built in a conservation area.
The local planning authority should be consulted if there is any uncertainty about planning permission for the fence. The lack of necessary permissions may lead to enforcement action and financial implications.
Boundary Encroachments and Enclosure Acts:
If a fence or structure extends beyond a property’s legal boundary, an encroachment is committed. If not addressed, these can subsequently result in legal disputes and adverse possession.
In some instances, property boundary disputes could be traced back to the Enclosure Acts, which were implemented to convert common land into private property. Investigating the background of one’s premises can provide knowledge about boundary rights and current disputes.
Legal Remedies and Dispute Resolution:
Fence and property boundary conflicts can be resolved through a variety of legal options and alternative dispute resolution processes. These consist of court cases, arbitration, and mediation.
Since they help maintain good neighbourly relations and prevent expensive litigation, mediation and negotiation are frequently the recommended strategies for resolving fencing conflicts. To enforce rights or seek remedies, however, legal action can be required if non-formal measures fail.
The Bottom Line!
Understanding boundary lines, duties, and the legal precepts surrounding fences is necessary to navigate UK fencing rules. Knowing the law is important whether you’re a homeowner preparing to build a fence or handling a border dispute.
You may remain compliant with the law and preserve good relations in your community by following rules, interacting with neighbours, and getting legal counsel as needed.
FAQs
WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR FENCES IN THE UK?
Fences in the UK are limited to one metre (3.2 feet) in the front yard and a maximum of two metres (6.5 feet) in the back gardens. You must apply for planning approval from the local government if you want to build a fence higher than this in your backyard.
CAN I PUT A FENCE UP WITHOUT MY NEIGHBOUR’S PERMISSION IN THE UK?
So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, a final option may be to erect a new fence on your land. You can do this without their permission, as long as it is inside your boundary and on your private property.
CAN I REMOVE A NEIGHBOUR’S FENCE ON MY PROPERTY IN THE UK?
If it’s on your property, you may be thinking about taking down the fence yourself. However, if you make a mistake about the location of the boundary—which you very well could be—you might be the one trespassing. You can then be held accountable for both the trespass and any property damage if you remove the fence.
WHO CAN PAINT OR OTHERWISE ALTER A FENCE ONCE IT’S UP?
Even in cases when one side of the fence is on neighbouring property, only the fence’s owner may make modifications to it. Accordingly, your neighbour will have to get your permission before painting or staining their area of the fence if you install one in your garden.