The usual limits in plain terms
The general rule many homeowners work to is that a fence can normally go up to 2 metres high along the back and sides of a garden, and up to 1 metre where it faces a road or footpath. These figures are a rule of thumb, not a promise that your plot is the same. Some properties have extra conditions attached, and the council is the place to confirm what applies. We build fences, we do not give legal or planning advice, so treat this page as general information.
In Dudley borough the same national rule of thumb is the starting point, but the exceptions matter just as much. Conservation areas, listed buildings and conditions attached to an old planning permission can all lower the limit or require permission for work that would otherwise be simple. A short call or email to the council before you buy materials saves the trouble of taking a fence down again.
Why hills make measuring awkward
On level ground, height is easy: the top of the fence minus the ground at its base. On a slope the ground changes along the boundary, so a fence that is 2 metres at its low end can look much taller from the neighbour's side if their garden sits lower, or shorter if it sits higher. Ground levels can change along a boundary in parts of Dudley, so decide where you will measure from and ask the council how they read it.
Fencers handle slopes in two ways. Panels can be stepped, with each panel sitting level and the posts rising in stages, or the fence can follow the slope with the boards raked. Stepping leaves small gaps at the bottom of the higher panels that gravel boards or infill can close. Whichever is used, the tallest point is the figure that counts, so plan around that rather than the average.
What counts towards the height
People often forget the extras. A gravel board at the bottom adds to the overall height, and so does trellis or a decorative top fixed above a solid panel. A tall panel on a gravel board plus a trellis strip can pass the limit without anyone noticing. Post tops that stand proud of the panels can also be counted, so ask about caps and finials before the order is placed.
If you are close to the limit, pick a slightly lower panel and add the board and trellis last, measuring as you go. It is easier to add a strip than to cut a finished fence down. Where your fence meets a neighbour's, it also helps to agree the height with them early, because a tall fence changes light and wind on both sides.
Quick tips
- Measure the tallest point of the fence on sloping ground, including gravel boards, caps and trellis, before you settle on a panel size.
- Ask Dudley council in writing whether your road, house type or any old planning condition lowers the usual limit before you buy anything.
- Check your deeds for who owns each boundary, because ownership often decides who can build or replace a fence there.
- Take photos of the boundary from both gardens so the height on each side is clear when you talk to us or the council.
If you are planning a fence in Dudley and want a practical view on heights and slopes, call us or send a photo with the fence location. We cover DY1 and also work in Tipton and Brierley Hill. There is no pressure, and we will say plainly what looks workable.
Frequently asked questions
Which height counts when my Dudley fence sits on a slope?
On sloping ground the tallest point of the fence is the figure that counts, not the average. Ground levels can change along a boundary in parts of Dudley, so decide where you will measure from and ask the council how they read it.
Do gravel boards and trellis add to the overall fence height?
Usually they do. A gravel board at the bottom, trellis or a decorative top above a solid panel, and post tops standing proud can all count towards the total, so add everything together before choosing a panel size, then check the figure with the council.
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