One of the first things people ask us when they want a new fence is: "Do I need to tell the council?"
The short answer is: Usually, no. Most garden fences fall under "Permitted Development" rights, meaning you can just get on and build them.
However, Bristol has some very specific traps—especially if you live in a Conservation Area or a Listed Building. If you get this wrong, the Council can legally force you to tear the fence down at your own expense. Here is your simple checklist to stay safe.
The General Rules (For Most Bristol Homes)
If you live in a standard house (not a flat or maisonette) and you are NOT in a conservation area, these are the golden rules:
1. The "2-Metre" Rule (Back Gardens)
You can build a fence or wall up to 2 metres (6.56ft) high anywhere in your rear garden without permission.
2. The "1-Metre" Rule (Next to Highways)
If your fence is "adjacent to a highway used by vehicles" (this includes the pavement/footpath next to the road), it cannot be higher than 1 metre (3.28ft).
Common Trap: This is why most front garden walls in Bedminster and Horfield are waist-height. If you want a 6ft fence right next to the pavement, you WILL need planning permission.
The "Bristol" Exceptions
The rules change if your property falls into one of these special categories. In our experience, this affects many clients in Clifton, Cotham, and Redland.
Exception A: Conservation Areas (Article 4 Directions)
Bristol has over 30 Conservation Areas. In many of these, the council has removed Permitted Development rights (known as an Article 4 Direction).
This means you might need planning permission even for minor changes, like painting a fence or taking down a low wall. If you demolish a gate or fence in a conservation area that is over 1m high (next to a highway) or 2m high (elsewhere), you often need "Relevant Demolition" consent first.
Exception B: Listed Buildings
If your house is Grade I or Grade II listed (common in Clifton Village or Kingsdown), the rules are extremely strict.
You will almost certainly need Listed Building Consent for any new fencing within the "curtilage" (boundary) of the building. This includes fixing a gate to the original stonework. Never drill into a listed wall without checking first\!
Exception C: Flats & Maisonettes
Permitted Development rights only apply to "dwellinghouses." They do not apply to flats.
If you own a ground-floor flat in a converted Victorian terrace, you technically need planning permission to erect any fence, although councils are often lenient if you stick to the 1m/2m rules. It is always safer to check.
Summary Checklist
- Is it in the back garden? Yes = Up to 2m is fine.
- Is it next to a road/pavement? Yes = Max height 1m.
- Is your house a Listed Building? Yes = Call the Council (Strict rules).
- Are you in a Conservation Area? Yes = Check for Article 4 Directions.
- Is it a flat? Yes = Technically need permission (check with management co).
Still unsure?
We deal with Bristol planning officers regularly. While we aren't planning consultants, we can give you common-sense advice on what usually gets approved in your postcode.
Featured Image Image A split image showing a low 1m front garden fence next to a pavement versus a tall 2m rear garden fence. Image Alt Text Planning permission rules for front vs rear garden fences in Bristol. Tags Select Tags Planning Permission Bristol Conservation Areas Listed Buildings Garden Fencing Rules SEO Settings Meta Title Planning Permission for Fencing in Bristol: A Simple Guide Meta Description Do you need planning permission for a fence in Bristol? We check the 2m rule, conservation areas (Clifton/Redland), and when you need the Council's say-so.