Fencing and gates in Northfield

Planning your fence or gate in Northfield

Fences and gates up to 2 metres high don't usually need planning permission in Northfield; next to a road used by vehicles the limit is 1 metre. Above those heights, or around a listed building, check with Birmingham City Council first.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn't cover timber fences, only masonry boundary walls.
Adding trellis on top? Treat it as part of the fence height when checking the limits.
Fences next to a road or the footpath beside it are limited to 1 m without planning permission.

Postcode district: B31
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 7 miles

Choices to weigh up in Northfield

Side gates and driveway gates

Side gates add security to the path at the side of the house, and driveway gates in timber or metal close off the front. Gates need strong posts, hinges and latches, and wide gates need drop bolts or a centre stop. Driveway gates shouldn't open outwards over the pavement, so they're hung to open inwards.

Panel fencing

Pre-made timber panels, usually 1.83 m wide, slotted between posts. Lap, overlap and slatted panels are quick to fit and the most affordable option. They suit sheltered gardens best. In exposed spots, lightweight panels can rattle or blow out, so heavier panels or closeboard are a better choice there.

What does your fence or gate cost in Northfield?

For a home in Northfield, our guide range is £60–£230 per linear metre. 1.8 m closeboard fence with concrete posts and gravel boards, old fence removed: usually £95–£135 per linear metre.

Guide prices for fencing and gates
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Panel fencing with concrete posts	£60 – £95 per linear metre	1.8 m panels, quick to fit
Closeboard with concrete posts	£90 – £135 per linear metre	Stronger, better in exposed gardens
Slatted or composite fencing	£140 – £230 per linear metre	Contemporary look, less upkeep

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. Access, parking and the state of what's there now can move the price — the survey settles it.

Questions about fencing and gates in Northfield

How much does a new fence cost?

In the West Midlands, panel fencing with concrete posts usually costs around £60–£95 per metre fitted, and closeboard with concrete posts around £90–£135 per metre, including removal of the old fence. A 20 m run of closeboard therefore typically costs about £1,900–£2,700. Side gates usually add £200–£550 each, and driveway gates more.

Do you cover Northfield?

Yes. Northfield (B31) is about 7 miles from our West Bromwich base and inside the area we cover. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

Concrete or timber posts: which is better?

Concrete posts don't rot, so they usually outlast timber posts, and new panels can be slotted in later without replacing them. Timber posts look softer and suit closeboard and some gate posts, but they eventually rot at ground level. In exposed gardens, concrete posts with closeboard or heavy panels are the most robust choice.

Who approves fencing and gates in Northfield?

Not for a fence or gate up to 2 m high, or 1 m beside a road used by vehicles. Above those heights, or around a listed building, check with Birmingham City Council.

Fencing and gates near Northfield

Other work we do in Northfield

We'll walk your boundary in Northfield, talk through post types and confirm a fixed price for the agreed specification.