Property boundaries
There are several possibilities for property boundaries. One of the reasons to place a boundary is to obtain privacy. You could choose to place a natural fence, or a structure from wood or stone.
A natural fence will consist of a frame at its base, which could include: screens of willow branches and willow mats, coconut mats, reed plates and bamboo fences. This frame can subsequently be decorated with various types of climbers or espaliers using evergreens or flowering types. The advantage of these natural fences over a traditional hedge is that they are much narrower, and thus recommended from smaller gardens. Durable materials are used to manufacture these fences and they will last for more than 10 years. Of course it is also possible to select a deciduous or evergreen hedge. This is often the cheapest solution, with the exception of yew.
A concrete or wooden fence gives your garden a different atmosphere than a natural fence.
These forms of property boundaries surround your garden with bold, strong lines. You have a choice of colour, height, durability and price.
Placing property boundaries is subject to legal clauses:
All property boundaries consisting of plants (hedges) may be placed at any height without planning permission. A hedge must, however, be placed at least 50 cm away from the dividing line, unless you have agreed with your neighbours that the hedge may be planted on the boundary itself.
Fences and natural fences: Fences of up to 200 cm tall may be placed in the back garden without planning permission. They should be placed at least one meter away from the public road or public green spaces owned by the council.
On the boundary between your property and your neighbour’s property a fence of up to 200 cm is also allowed as long as on the road facing side it at least one meter from the public road or green. To the front and side of your property, and where they adjoin the public road or greens any hedges or fences may be built up to 100 cm without planning permission.
The regulations mentioned above do not apply if your property is grade II listed. In that case erection of any structure which includes fences and hedges will always require planning permission. Do check with your local council is this applies to your property. The drawing below illustrates the above definitions:
