UK homeowners with gardens are being warned about potential fines of up to £20,000 for non-compliance with new regulations regarding garden fences and boundaries. These regulations, enforced in May 2025 under “The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015,” aim to streamline the guidelines for altering boundaries, hedges, or erecting new fences.
Gurpreet Chhokar, a legal expert at Which?, has issued a cautionary note to homeowners planning to install new garden fences this summer. “There are a few important things to bear in mind to ensure you don’t break any laws and find yourself with a hefty fine,” Chhokar said.
For rear garden fences, the law permits structures up to two metres high without the need for planning permission. “If you don’t have planning permission, your fence can’t exceed two metres from the ground,” Chhokar explained. Additionally, planning permission may be required if the fence is more than one metre high and borders a highway or its footpath. “If you’re unsure, it’s worth contacting your local planning authority, usually your local council, for clarification,” Chhokar advised.
When it comes to fence replacement, the left-hand side of your garden, as viewed from the street, typically falls under the homeowner’s jurisdiction. If the “rough” side of the fence faces your property, it is likely your responsibility to maintain it in good repair.
Both homeowners and businesses have been warned that failure to maintain their fences could result in fines of up to £5,000 for private residents and £20,000 for commercial entities. This warning comes as UK households prepare for gardening chores and outdoor DIY projects during the summer season.
