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Fence height and planning rules in Eastbourne
Plain English rules on fence heights, conservation areas and which council to ask.
How high can a fence be?
- Up to 1m next to a road used by vehicles, or the footpath beside it
- Up to 2m everywhere else
- Trellis on top counts towards the height
Above these heights you normally need planning permission.
Which council decides?
| Area | Planning authority |
|---|---|
| Most of Eastbourne, including Meads, Old Town, Hampden Park, Langney and Sovereign Harbour | Eastbourne Borough Council |
| Polegate, Willingdon, Stone Cross, Westham and Pevensey Bay | Wealden District Council |
| East Dean, Friston and Jevington | South Downs National Park Authority |
Conservation areas
Eastbourne has 12 conservation areas: College, Meads, Old Town, Park Close, Ratton, Saffrons, South Lynn Drive, Torfield, Town Centre and Seafront, Upperton, Warrior Square and Willingdon. The normal fence height rules still apply in most of them, but taking down an old boundary wall can need permission, and flint walls are an important part of the character in places like Old Town and Meads. Check with the council before removing one.
Extra controls in some streets
Some places have an Article 4 direction, which removes normal permitted development rights. In Park Close, it covers houses 1 to 20 and includes putting up, altering or even painting gates, fences and walls. Devonshire Meads also has an Article 4 direction. If you live in either, check with the council before any fence work.
Covenants on newer estates
Some newer developments have covenants in the deeds, such as keeping front gardens open plan. Check your deeds before fencing a front garden on a modern estate.
Fences and neighbours
- Your deeds may show which boundaries are yours; there is no fixed rule about left or right
- Having the "good side" facing your neighbour is a courtesy, not a legal requirement
- The Party Wall Act covers walls, not timber fences, but it is always worth agreeing work with your neighbour first
Common questions
Do I need permission to replace a fence like for like?
Normally not, if the new fence is no higher than the old one or within the height limits, and you are not in an Article 4 area or a listed building.
My house is listed. Can I change the fence?
Fences and walls around a listed building usually need listed building consent. Speak to the council first.
Check with: Lewes and Eastbourne Councils · Wealden District Council · South Downs National Park Authority