Find Trusted Fencing Contractors in Central London

Fencing in Central London is a more complex job than it might first appear. The combination of dense urban land use, party wall considerations, conservation area rules, and the simple practical difficulty of getting materials and machinery into narrow back gardens or courtyard spaces makes fencing work here distinctly different from a standard suburban job. The most common fencing need in Central London relates to rear garden boundaries and side access gates. Many Victorian and Georgian terrace properties have walled rear gardens, but where timber or metal fencing does exist, it tends to require maintenance or replacement fairly regularly given the damp, shaded conditions typical of inner-city gardens. Metal railings on front boundaries are also common across many Central London streets and require periodic repainting and occasional structural repair. Before installing or replacing a fence in Central London, it is important to establish the ownership of the boundary. In most terrace situations, the convention is that you are responsible for the left-hand boundary when facing the property from the street, but this is a convention rather than a legal rule and the actual position depends on the title deeds. In a dispute, the Land Registry title plan is the starting point. Getting this clear before work starts avoids arguments with neighbours during or after installation. Permitted development rules allow fences up to 2 metres in height in most rear garden situations without planning permission. For front garden fences visible from a public highway, the limit is 1 metre. Conservation areas in Central London are numerous and can impose additional restrictions, particularly on front boundaries where the visual character of the street is considered important. Always check with the local planning authority before installing or replacing front boundary treatments in these areas. Costs for fencing in Central London reflect the difficulties of access and the higher cost of labour. Timber close board fencing runs from £80 to £150 per linear metre installed, depending on the height and post specification. Metal railings and gates, which are common on the front of Central London properties, vary widely but a basic set of railings and gate can cost £500 to £2,000 for a typical terraced front boundary. Decorative wrought iron work on period properties commands a premium. Always ask fencing contractors to include for post removal, post-mix concrete, and gravel boards in their written quotes.