Garden Wall / Fence Height question

[HandyAndyTheAmateur]

Hi All, 

 

I have a funny setup with a new build towards the bottom and the side of my garden. There is a retaining wall between them and us, and their 'garden' sits substantially lower than our garden. We have completely lost any privacy in that lower part of our garden since the new house, and I want to increase the height of the fence. What is the maximum height I can make my fence (considering their garden is about 5 feet lower)? Bear in mind that the gardens run roughly north to south, so the sun will be blocked from their garden even more for most of the afternoon by any height increase (which I'm sure they will complain about).

 

TIA

[Russell griffiths]

IMHO it’s 6 foot without planning. 

[Conor]

1.8m from local ground level. no limits on hedges.... Get some 6ft Griselda/laurel/box for fast growing screening. Wouldn't plant this time of year tho, we're struggling to keep our new beech hedge alive in this weather 

[Spinny]

There is a UK High Hedges Act so neighbours can complain about high evergreen hedges. If nobody complains there is no height limit I suppose, but if someone complains they might end up having to be cut...

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council

 

I think there is a document somewhere about what heights are acceptable depending on differences in ground level and stuff.

 

I suggest you think carefully about how to resolve. As they are already 5 feet lower than you, you are already well screened to potentially 11ft up their building. To mitigate 2nd storey overlooking you may need to think strategically. A single well placed tree may resolve the main problem ? Two or Three deciduous trees should be exempt from the high hedges act. Screening is usually more valuable in summer, so deciduous trees may be fine for you. These factors likely contribute to the popularity of pleached deciduous trees in some London gardens.

 

If planting hedging plants do give thought to maintenance. It can be easy to go for the fast growing species, but fast growing can get out of hand - I speak as someone that had a number of leylandi type conifers. Yew may be slow growing but you can cut it right back when you wish to and it will just slowly regrow. Laurels grow like fury but I have one a landscaper was supposed to have removed, now happily growing back.

 

If trying to screen a window looking into your bifolds etc then somtimes a tree part way down the garden is as good or better than a tree at the boundary. Or indeed a pergola.

Edited 49 minutes ago by Spinny

[kandgmitchell]

Refer to Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015 Schedule 2 Part 2 Class A - Erection,construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a fence, gate, wall or other means of enclosure.

 

Para A.1 (b)  says: [ development would not be permitted if] the height of any other gate, fence, wall or means of enclosure erected or constructed would exceed 2 metres above ground level;

 

In the interpretation of the order it refers to height being from ground level and if not level then from the highest ground level. That would technically allow you to erect a 2m fence on the boundary but as mentioned above that could be overpowering for your new neighbours. Personally I would like to remain on good terms with my neighbours - it makes life so much more pleasant. Could you set any screening back from the line of the boundary so it lessens the impact?