How to establish if Planning would be granted

[BathDIY]

I'm considering applying for planning permission to replace our large hedge with a 2-meter high fence in our front garden.

I know planning can take a while, hence my other post about cutting the hedge back.

The hedge runs along a path next to the road (we live in a cul-de-sac). There is a small half-meter ish wall to define the property boundary.

Privacy is a big concern as our living room is so close to the hedge. I don't want to risk removing the hedge without having planning in place for the fence.

In terms of visibility, there is one driveway on the hedge side of the road (our neighbours) which he doesn't tend to use. The attached pics should help you see what's what.

We did have a run-in with building control when we had to enclose some unregistered land at the end of our drive at the back of the property. During the toing and froing, I do recall a mention of a previous application for a fence in the front being refused (but I think this was from way back).

I am trying to establish how likely it is that planning for the fence would be granted. I assume that the only way to be sure is to get it granted, but I would just as soon save £200 if there is no chance.

What's my best course of action?

Is it worth me hiring a planning consultant (they certainly helped me with my other problem)?

 

[^woody^]

Read your council's local planning guidance and policies.

 

[Leofric]

You might not need planning permission for a fence not more than 2m high but not possible to say without knowing your particular plot. You should not obstruct any visibility splays to your neighbour's drive whether they use it much or not.

Is it worth me hiring a planning consultant (they certainly helped me with my other problem)?

- depends how much they will charge

 

[BathDIY]

Read your council's local planning guidance and policies.

Good advice I have found something online.

"Planning permission is required for all walls/fences etc over 1 metre in height next which are next to a road (including the verge and footway)"

"...care should be taken to ensure that the fence or wall is not overbearing and does not prevent observation of public and semi-public spaces such as footpaths and car parking areas."

"Tall close board or feather edge fencing should only be used for side and rear boundaries which are next to other gardens. Picket, pale, hit and miss, post and rail fencing or planting a hedge are preferred where the boundary is next to a public space or the countryside."

"Defensive, high gates, wall and fences will not normally be acceptable on high street frontages, or rural areas."

As you can see from the photos, close board fences have been used either side of my front garden, these houses are at 90 degrees to mine so these are there back gardens.

What do you think my chances are?

 

[^woody^]

I doubt that any council would approve a fence over 1m high on a bend - due to sightlines form road users - even though its no worse than a hedge.

 

[BathDIY]

I doubt that any council would approve a fence over 1m high on a bend - due to sightlines form road users - even though its no worse than a hedge.

Thanks! That's what I was afraid of.

 

[Leofric]

Does it say anything about tall hedges on frontages

 

[BathDIY]

Does it say anything about tall hedges on frontages

Only this... "...planting a hedge are preferred where the boundary is next to a public space or the countryside."

The hedge has been in place as-is for decades, we have considered removal and replanting a better species but its the growth time that concerns us.

Not sure we could even put up a temporary screen to give us some privacy while it grows.

 

[Leofric]

You will need to apply for planning permission if you wish to erect or add to a fence, wall or gate:

• if it would be over 1 metre high and next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway); or over 2 metres high elsewhere; or
• your right to put up or alter fences, walls and gates is removed by an article 4 direction or a planning condition; or
• your house is a listed building or in the curtilage of a listed building or
• if the fence, wall or gate, or any other boundary involved, forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building or its curtilage.

You will not need to apply for planning permission to take down a fence, wall or gate, or to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate (no matter how high) if you don't increase its height.

In a conservation area, you might need permission take down a fence, wall or gate. Find out more about conservation areas and when permission may be required.

You do not need planning permission for hedges as such, though if a planning condition or a covenant restricts planting (for example, on "open plan" estates, or where a driver's sight line could be blocked) you may need planning permission and/or other consent.

 

[tony1851]

"How to establish if Planning would be granted"

If we knew that, we'd all be millionaires.