Planning permission for fencing

[bazzeruk]

I have applied for PP for a fence, adjoining a highway. It is two meteres high and has received four objections. If it is refused, can I plant a hedge instead, even though planning has been refused for a fence?

[jackthehat]

Which boundary?
Why do you need it so tall?
If you reduce it by 8 inches there ought to be no problem (possibly).

[EDDIE51]

Yes, it is a peculiarity of law that a hedge can be any height and does not need planning permission.

[The Builder]

Crazy isn't it? Two metres elsewhere ......... one metre against a highway. How can anyone object to a fence?

[hc4361]

I metre is the permitted fence height when it abuts a main road.

[hc4361]

High fences at the front of the property look horrid.

[bazzeruk]

It is to the side of our property and we need it for privacy as we are on a corner plot.

[jackthehat]

As it is adjacent (how close ?) to the Highway the maximum height, as you have discovered is 1m.
A hedge can be any height as it is not subject to the same restrictions.

[bednobs]

hiya the builder. When someone up our road applied for permission for a fence (conservation area) i (and 5 others) objected. They grew a hedge instead and it much looks nicer than i think the fence would have looked

[Zacs-Master]

Plus, fences blow down. Hedges dinnae.

[hc4361]

Erect a 1 metre fence and plant red robin. Very nice effect and affords privacy without being overbearing.

[starone]

I was under the illusion that a high fence would obstruct the views of motorists but if a high hedge is permissable that cannot be the case.

[bushbaby_de]

Starbuckone, highway visibility is exactly why fences are restricted to 1m by the highway under permitted development. The planner will look at whether the fence would obstruct highway safety and whether it would affect the appearance of the area. However as hedges are not built form, they do not fall under the Planning Acts and can be any height. But remember there is now high hedge legislation as well, so if your hedge causes a nuisance you could theoretically be asked to reduce its height.