While it’s tempting to rip down a rotting old fence that’s been stood for decades, simply just going ahead with the task in hand could have repercussions
Erecting a new garden fence is a job that comes with a whole set of challenges – and one of them is establishing exactly how high you can have it.
Along with finding out who owns which fence, there are actually four things all gardeners must do before taking down a tatty old fence and replacing it with a new one.
One common household issue is a damaged and patchy fence which has been accumulating algae during the winter months. Of course, the easiest solution to repair these is by completely painting it, but in some instances a brittle fence which has stood in place for years may just need replacing.
Although it might sound quite obvious, in some situations, a fence can belong to both you and your neighbour – so it’s best to take some precautions. And for privacy-conscious households, there are height restrictions that must be adhered to.
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As explained by Garden Fence Panels, there are four things you should consider before setting up a new fence.
You may need permission
First and foremost, comply with the UK regulations. Although the work is on your own property, it’s always best to avoid any problems with the local council. A permission is required when:
- Fences are next to a road or footpath and are one metre in height or over two meters in any other location.
- The home is listed or bordering a listed property.
- The homes in your street have open-plan front gardens.
- The property is in a restricted planning area, such as a National Park, conservation area, or a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Check the boundaries of your property
Replacing your old fence with a new one is always the most convenient solution. However, it’s crucial for gardeners to double check their boundaries of the property before undertaking such a task.
The site explained: “A quick look at your property survey can confirm exactly where your boundaries are and help to avoid any potential problems further down the line. No one wants a fence-related dispute with the neighbours!”
Speak to your neighbours before you start
It’s always best to communicate with your neighbours next door before building a new fence. It also includes finding out who the rightful owner of the fence is, which is in your legal park.
“Make sure you discuss styles and height, too. This is especially important if the fence panels you’re considering are significantly different to the current design,” it explained.
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And don’t forget the gate
Setting up a fence is more than just putting up a divider, and you have to make sure to give some consideration to gates and entrances. This comes in handy especially when you have to put out the bins or need a large access to park your vehicles.
The site added: “You’ll also need to think about the type of design you want. This could be a simple picket gate or perhaps a Waney lap gate that matches your fence panels.”