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Build a gate, fence or wall around your flat

Last updated
20 Nov 2025

If you own a flat, you may need planning permission to do work on a gate, fence or wall around it. If certain rules apply, it may come under permitted development.

Permitted development

You do not always need planning permission to do work on a gate, fence or wall around your flat.

This is called 'permitted development'.

Permitted development rules for gates, walls and fences

If you’re building a gate, wall or fence around your flat, the permitted development rules are:

  • it cannot be higher than 2 metres
  • it cannot be higher than 1 metre if it's within 20 metres of a road
  • you cannot build in the grounds of a listed building

You can replace an existing gate, fence or wall if it’s higher than the permitted development height. The new structure must not be higher than the old one. You cannot do this if your flat is in the grounds of a listed building.

Example of permitted development

Your flat has a 1.2 metre high fence within 20 metres of a road. You can replace it with one the same height under permitted development.

Read the Householder permitted rights guidance on gov.scot to find out more about:

  • the rules about building a gate, wall or fence around your flat
  • what counts as permitted development

Planning permission

If your change is not allowed under permitted development, you need planning permission.

Find out how to apply for planning permission. You can also contact your local council for further information.

Planning permission

Always check with your council to confirm if you need planning permission. Even if you meet the permitted development rules, there might be other approvals you'll need to get.

Other approvals

You may need other approvals before starting work. For example, your local council might ask for building regulation approval. 

If you do not own the land, you must get the landowner’s permission (for example, if you’re a tenant or share ownership). 

If your home is a listed building, you’ll also need listed building consent. 

It’s your responsibility to make sure you have all the approvals you need. 

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