Fence and gate repairs in Oxfordshire

Typical fence and gate jobs

Most fence jobs follow a gale, or rot at the base of a post. A handyman can usually do these.

• Fit a new panel where one has blown out or split.
• Replace a post that leans or has rotted.
• Add a gravel board to keep a panel off wet soil.
• Rehang a gate that has dropped, or fit new hinges and a latch.
• Treat or stain timber fences and gates.

Height limits without planning permission

The General Permitted Development Order 2015 lets you put up or replace a fence, wall or gate within these limits.

• Up to 1 metre high beside a road used by vehicles, or its footway.
• Up to 2 metres high elsewhere.
• An existing fence cannot go higher than these limits, or its old height, whichever is greater.
• The right does not apply to a listed building or its curtilage.
• An Article 4 direction or a planning condition can remove the right.

Gardens by the Thames and other rivers

Many Oxfordshire gardens run down to the Thames, the Cherwell or another river. Work within 8 metres of the bank of a main river can need a flood risk activity permit.

The Environment Agency issues these permits. Some simple post-and-rail and post-and-wire fencing is excluded. Ask the Environment Agency before you build near the bank.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

Taking down a boundary in a conservation area can need permission, says the Planning Portal. Check with the district council.

Old walls and gates round a listed house are often covered by its listing. Get advice before you remove or rebuild one.

Before you book

Find out who owns the fence. The title plan or the seller’s property information may show it. For a shared boundary, speak to your neighbour first.

Ask whether the price includes the panel, posts, concrete and removal of the old fence. Our fence repair cost guide shows published prices.

Questions

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