Decking & Fencing in Bath

Planning & permissions

The planning context in Bath

Most Bath decking and fencing jobs qualify for Permitted Development. Rear fences under 2m and rear decking under 30cm height don't need an application, even in Conservation Areas. Front garden boundaries, walls over 1m, and listed building consents are the exceptions — Bath Conservation Area restrictions apply to any front boundary in a visible position from the street, and Listed Building Consent is needed for any boundary change at a Grade II listed property. Most Bath jobs avoid the planning conversation entirely by staying under the PD thresholds. Tom will tell you what's needed on the site visit.

Common decking + fencing patterns in Bath

Common Bath decking + fencing patterns: 3m × 3m low rear decking with softwood or composite boards on the Georgian and Victorian terraces (sized to fit the smaller gardens), 4m × 3m raised decking on the wider Victorian semis, 4m × 4m rear decking on the 1930s semis in Oldfield Park and Weston, fence replacement on shared rear boundaries (typically 1.8m close-board timber panels), and front garden boundary walls in Bath stone or matching render. Most Bath gardens need 4–6 fence panels replaced at once, which makes it worth doing as a single project rather than piecemeal. Material choices lean toward softwood (budget-friendly, matches Bath stone context) or cedar (longer-lasting, premium look).