Investment works

We have some information for you about our fencing replacement scheme and how it could affect you. The work may vary slightly from what is stated depending on the type of property you live in and all works will be subject to an individual survey.

Why is the work being done?

The estate in which your property is located has been identified for a new fencing replacement scheme to be carried out and our programme of replacements will help improve the visual appearance of your estate. You will be notified in writing by us if your area is scheduled for such works in the current financial year. If any of your fencing and gates have recently been fitted, are in good condition and match our current fencing specification they will not be replaced as part of the scheme.

How long will the work take?

The work will normally take two days to complete, depending on the weather.

What should I do before the work starts?

You will be contacted as part of the estate survey where all available works will be discussed with you, along with any requirements you may have. You will be required to ensure your garden is in a maintained condition and our contractors have free access to the fence lines being replaced. If any of the fences are overgrown with shrubs, trees, ivy etc. you will be responsible for cutting them back to allow our contractors to carry out the works. You will also be responsible for moving any sheds or storage units that would prevent access to the fences. If you have pets, you will need to ensure the garden is free of any faeces. 

What choices will I have?

Our standard specification for fencing and gates is 900mm high open boarded to front lines and 1800mm high close boarded to the rear (though planning restrictions may impact the ability to fit 1800mm high fences in some instances). Some residents prefer the lower height fencing in their rear gardens so this option may be available if agreed by the tenants on both sides of the fence line.

What disruption will there be?

At times the work may be noisy and dusty and you may not be able to use your gardens while the work is underway. Access to your home should not be affected. If you feel that your personal circumstances, or health may prevent you from coping with this work and would like to discuss what options are available, please contact the customer liaison advisor or the Property Services team.

My neighbour is private, why won't you replace my dividing fence?

Under normal circumstances, when a property is purchased from us under Right To Buy, the responsibility for the maintenance for the boundary lines is included within the sale. This means that any fences or walls on these boundaries becomes the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are therefore unable to replace any dividing fencing as it is essentially private property. We would not erect a secondary fence to any boundaries where it is owned by a sole party. 

My gardens are classed as open plan, can I have fencing fitted?

We do not fit fencing to open plan areas. These are generally maintained by our grounds maintenance teams and fitting fences would hinder their works. Adding more fencing to our housing stock also places increased pressures on budgets for the initial fitting and future maintenance.

I have boundary walls, can you put a fence on top?

We do not carry out wall top fencing to front garden walls as the wall is sufficient to demark the boundary lines. If applicable, you will be able to have the garden gate replaced. If your boundary walls are in poor condition, any required repairs will be carried out as part of the programme.

I had my own fencing fitted, am I entitled for it to be replaced?

Providing the fencing has been erected to the correct locations, it will be eligible for replacement as part of the programme. Any new fencing will be fitted to our standard specifications and therefore may be a different height and style to your current fencing. If your fencing is in good condition and you do not wish for it to be replaced, please contact the Property Services team or advise the officer during the survey visit.

I've been told I cannot have the 1800mm high fencing due to planning reasons. Why is this?

If any of your fence lines are adjacent to a public highway (or footpath adjoined to the highway) then planning permission is required to erect any fencing or walls above 1000mm in height. We do not carry out planning applications for individual properties and therefore our lower height fencing would be fitted. Further information is available on the Planning Portal

I had a special fence fitted due to specific household needs. Will this be replaced like for like?

The fencing replacement programme follows strict criteria with regards to fencing locations and specification. If special arrangements have previously been made for your property, then you may need to get back in touch with the relevant department in order for it to be renewed. This will be confirmed during the survey of your property.

Will you fit driveway gates?

We must remind you that you are not authorised to park a vehicle within the boundaries of your property unless it has a properly constructed driveway and the required dropped kerb access. Should the property meet these requirements, then it will be eligible for driveway gates. These gates cannot be fitted to open out over the public footpath. If you are planning on installing your own driveway in the near future, you should discuss this matter with the officer during your property survey and they will advise you on the relevant permissions that will need to be obtained.