Property boundaries and composite fencing: what you need to know

Spring is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to think about refreshing your garden with a stylish new fence if your current one is looking a little worse for wear. If you’re thinking about investing in some composite fencing that’s durable, sleek, low maintenance, and long-lasting, you’re in the right place.

At North Valley Composites, we have an impressive range of composite fencing options that are perfect for instantly upgrading any outdoor space. But before you get started, it’s good to know exactly where your property’s boundary lines are so you can avoid any unnecessary mistakes and make sure your composite fencing is installed in the right spot. Here’s what you need to know to get it right from the off.

Why your boundary lines matter

When it comes to fencing, knowing exactly where your property ends and your neighbours begins sounds simple, but getting it wrong can lead to a few headaches. Composite fencing is a long-term investment, and it can be quite an effort to take it down and move it if you accidentally build it in the wrong spot. Not to mention it defeats the object of a set-and-forget fencing solution if you have to undo all your hard work because you’ve accidentally encroached onto your neighbour’s property by a metre or two.

It’s easy to think that installing a fence is as simple as picking out your materials and getting to work, but boundary lines are often a grey area, especially if you’re putting up fencing for the first time. If you’re unsure about where your boundaries lie, it’s best to go and check your property deeds or title documents before doing anything to see where you can legally put your fence. These should have clear information about your land’s perimeter. If you’re still not quite sure, or you don’t have the documents to hand, the HM Land Registry is another great resource, providing official documentation for your property boundaries.

Should you hire a property surveyor?

You want to be 100% sure you know where your boundary lines are if you’re going to put a fence up on the edge of your property, so if you aren’t after all these steps, it’s worth hiring a surveyor to verify everything. While this can be an additional expense, it’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of moving your composite fence later on!

The legal requirements for composite fencing

When it comes to putting up a fence here in the UK, you can usually build one up to 2 meters high (about 6.5 ft) without needing to go out and get permission, as long as it’s within your property boundary and doesn’t block the view for drivers or pedestrians. However, if you’re building along a road or footpath, the maximum height drops to 1 metre (around 3.2 ft).

If you’re in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or if you own a listed building, the rules can be stricter. Even basic fences might require permission due to regulations protecting the area’s historical or natural significance. So, to avoid any surprises, it’s always wise to check with your local council before you start installing anything.

Finding the perfect spot for your composite fence

Once you know where your property line is, it’s time to think about the best place for your fence! With composite fencing, you have a couple of options. You can either play it safe and put it a little inside your boundary line, or if your neighbour is okay with it, you can put it right on the line. If you’re splitting the cost of the fence, placing it on the boundary can be a win-win for both of you!

Whatever you decide to do, before you get started on the installation, it’s always a good idea to have a friendly chat with your neighbour about it. Whether that’s over the garden wall or a cup of tea, it’s always going to work best in your favour. Talk about where the fence will go, and if you’re sharing the cost and responsibility, be sure to discuss who will handle maintenance and what to do if repairs are needed down the line. Being open and clear now can help keep the peace and avoid any misunderstandings later on!

What happens if you end up in a dispute

Disagreements can happen, even with the best of intentions. If you end up in a situation where your neighbour has a problem with the position, height, or style of your fence, it’s always a good idea to have a conversation and try to resolve things amicably. But if things aren’t moving along, putting agreements in writing can help clear up any confusion. If the dispute escalates, legal advice is always an option, but most of the time, a simple, honest discussion will save you from the hassle of unnecessary complications and costs.

Now that you’re all set, it’s time to get excited about the next step – choosing the perfect composite fencing for your garden! At North Valley Composites, we offer a range of modern and durable composite fencing options, including the bold and contemporary Black Ash, the warm and welcoming Golden Oak, and the stylish cool tones of Driftwood – whatever your style, we’ve got you covered. Ready to get started? If you have any questions or need advice on your new composite fence, our friendly team is here to help. Just give us a call at 01282 677300, and let’s make your garden project a reality!