Finding your property boundaries
The first thing to do is figure out where your property ends. If you’re unsure, the quickest way to find out is to check your property deeds or title papers. These will tell you exactly where your boundaries lie. If, for whatever reason, you still have doubts or can’t find the paperwork, the HM Land Registry can help you out with more details.
If you’re still uncertain or want to make sure everything’s clear, hiring a surveyor can give you peace of mind. While it may be an added cost, it’s a wise investment to know exactly where your land ends and someone else’s begins. It’s especially important if you’re installing a fence close to a neighbouring property. Once you’ve got it done, you won’t have to worry about it again!
Do you need permission to put up a fence?
The first thing you’ll want to think about is the height of your fence. In the UK, you’re typically good to go with a fence up to 2 metres high without needing any special permission – this is more than enough height for privacy in most back gardens! But, if your fence is close to a road or footpath, the height limit drops to just 1 metre (about 3.2 feet) to make sure you’re not obstructing the view for pedestrians and drivers.
If you’re lucky enough to have a home located in a conservation area or you live in a listed building, there may be stricter rules to keep in mind. You might even need to get permission for something as simple as a standard fence. You also may not, but it’s always best to double-check with your local council before you get started. That way, you can get your fence up without any surprises!
Deciding where to put your fence
Now that you’ve got your boundaries sorted, it’s time to decide where exactly to place your fence. You’ve got a couple of options: you can position it slightly inside your boundary to avoid any risk of crossing over into your neighbour’s land. Or, if your neighbour’s on board, you could agree to place it right on the boundary line and split the cost.
Whatever you decide, it’s always a good idea to have a quick chat with your neighbour first to avoid any confusion down the line. If you choose to go with the shared fence options, get as much as you can sorted in advance, including what you’re going to do in the event of your need needing repairs, etc. It ensures that you’re both clear on maintenance and who’s responsible for what.
What do you do if you get into a dispute?
Even when everything seems sorted, disagreements can still pop up. If your neighbour isn’t happy with the fence’s position, height, or style, it’s always a good idea to get things down in writing. If you can’t come to some sort of agreement via conversation, getting legal advice is always an option. Now, it’s not necessarily the preferred option, but it’s definitely one that will bring you a resolution. Most of the time, though, a simple open conversation at the start saves you all of this hassle down the line!
When you’re ready to get started on your next fencing project, we’re here to make it easy! At Welch Fencing, we simplify the process from start to finish. With our expansive range of timber fencing, expert advice, and over 50 years of experience, we can guide you every step of the way. If you’ve got any questions about our products, feel free to give us a call at 01772 336476 or take a look around our website to get started on your new fence!
