If you’re planning to install or alter a fence in St Albans, it’s important to know whether planning permission or other consents are needed. The local guidance follows national rules, with some additional restrictions in historic areas.

Standard Rules Under Permitted Development

In England, most domestic fences fall under permitted development — meaning no planning permission is needed if:

• The fence is not more than 2 metres high anywhere in your garden (measured from ground level), or up to 1 metre high if next to a road or pavement used by vehicles    .
• Installing or replacing a fence won’t increase the height of an existing structure that already exceeds these limits   .
• Your property is not listed, nor is the fence within the curtilage of a listed building  .
• The site is not subject to an Article 4 Direction (which can remove permitted development rights) 

Conservation Areas and Article 4 Direction Zones

Large parts of St Albans fall within conservation areas, where special rules apply. In these zones, even fences that would normally be allowed under permitted development may require planning permission – including to take down, replace or alter boundary walls or gates.

Moreover, certain roads are under Article 4 Directions (e.g. Fishpool Street, Sopwell Lane), which remove most permitted development rights – including for external fencing. In these areas, planning permission is almost always required before making changes.

When Permitted Development Doesn’t Apply

You’ll likely need planning approval if:

• Erecting a fence higher than 2 metres (or above 1 m by a highway/public footpath).
• Your home is a listed building, or the fence is within the listed building’s curtilage.
• Your property lies in a conservation area or Article 4 Direction Zone.
• Permitted development rights have previously been removed by planning condition (e.g. as part of a subdivision or new housing consent).

Abbey Fencing is a sister company of Abbey Building.

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