Replacing a hedge with a fence... what am I allowed to do?

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Hey all - just wondering if anyone has any wise pearls of wisdom here:

As usual, my ideas fall in a grey space in the available PD and planning advice!

I'm considering replacing a ~2m high hedge with a ~2m high fence (i.e. same height), but the trouble is that the 2m measurement is on my side. My neighbours ground level is about 1m below my ground level - meaning the current hedge, and my proposed fence, would be ~3m on their side.

I'm thinking some sort of retaining wall with a fence on top, or concrete posts, with concrete panels to cover the height difference, topped with wooden panels.

Obviously we're going to call round to explain what I'm planning - at some point... We share rear boundary but are quite a way apart as its the next street along and we're both corner plots, and I fear they don't like young (<60YO) people, as they have always spoke to the parents and inlaws, but never us...) Might send MIL round actually!

Anyway, here is an idea of my proposal - the squares represent about a meter.

Fence Profile.JPG
 
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I'd say you are within your rights to build a fence 2m high measured from your side. However, you are going to need some seriously long and sturdy concrete posts (3.6m+) to deal with the height disparity.
A retaining wall with a fence your side springs to mind.
 
yeah more I'm thinking about it, a retainer wall with a fence on top might be best. I could let the guy choose the bricks he'll have to look at if it makes him happy o_O
 
yeah more I'm thinking about it, a retainer wall with a fence on top might be best.
Depends how you build it. To make something 6' tall and be resistant to strong winds will take a bit of thought hence my suggestion to have the posts on your side of the wall.
 
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good ideas there - I like the H&M fence panels anyway, they always look more substantial than the usual weedy looking panels.

Ta

Whitling2k
 
One thing - do check (and agree) the boundary and who is responsible for the fencing.
 
Does anyone know to what height the law allows you to build before you need to seek any permissions?
 
2m from the natural ground level
you just need agreement on what that point is to save argument later
 
Your drawing suggests that you are also proposing to raise ground levels alongside the new wall / fence. As a whole the works may need permission- I think you options are either to do it and hop for the best, or go to your council with more details drawings to seek further advice.
 
I think you are right NapoleonD, It's £25 quid though - which is going to be nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I'm from Yorkshire!

Thing is, and you are right, I need to speak to a planner to ascertain where the levels will be measured from.

The break of slope starts under the front of the hedge, the drop is about half-way down by the property boundary. So if they do it from what they can see, I'll be OK. I could always level-in the top of the hedge and make sure my fence is lower than that.

Thing is - the hedge is about 2m wide at the mo, so even if I agree to build the wall 1m nearer to my property and allow use of the ~1m strip on their side, I'm gaining & their gaining.

Just a shame they think anyone less than 60, who doesn't cut their grass 6 times a week are just workshy g1ts unworthy of their time - might make negotiations a tad painful!

The hedge is wholly growing from my property - it just overhangs their garden a bit.

I guess if they wont agree, I could take my hedge down, then build the fence on the break of slope, on my side, and then put a 1m ugly wire fence between our garden so they have got to look at the dirty, weed-killed bare earth bank below the fence and can't touch my wooden fence to spruce it up

hhmm choices! Next stop get some prices to see how worth pursuing it is!

Thanks again all
 

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