Fences can be a great addition to any property. They provide privacy, security, and a sense of ownership over a piece of land or space. There are certain procedures that must be followed when installing a fence in Oxford, however, and these rules apply regardless of the material that you choose for your fence. The Oxford City Council has created a set of guidelines to help residents abide by these regulations and remain within the law whenever they are undertaking any Oxford fence installation.

Permission

You should always seek permission from the local authority before beginning any Oxford fence installation work. This is because you may be able to avoid the need for planning permission by getting listed building consent. If you live in a listed building, it’s unlikely that you’ll get approval for anything other than a low fence, such as an ornamental garden fence.

Height

Fence Height Can Be Confusing. The height of a fence is determined by the building or structure it encloses, not the grade of the land. For example, fences along sloping lots must be higher than those built on level ground. The height of a fence should be measured from the top surface to its lowest point. In cases where there are multiple layers within one structure (such as an arbor), only measure from one layer to another.

Materials

When it comes to Oxford fence installation, there are rules I place concerning what types of materials can be used. Use durable, non-toxic and weather resistant materials. Avoid using materials that rust or discolor over time, as well as those that are too heavy to be easily installed by one person.

Choose a material that will not absorb heat, as this can lead to discomfort for your pet if they spend too much time in the sun on hot summer days.

Road safety

The rule is simple: fences should not be placed too close to the road. This will help prevent accidents and injuries while driving or walking. Do not place your fence within one foot of the road, do not place it within three feet of a junction (top), and do not place it within five feet of any property line with a public right-of-way (bottom).

If you’re installing a new fence in Oxford that abuts or crosses over public property, check with your local government entity for any requirements they may have regarding fencing placement. For example, some cities prohibit fences from being installed on sidewalks or other pedestrian access areas so as to maintain clear sightlines for pedestrians at intersections. You may also need permission from the city before installing a fence near fire stations or hospitals.

Near a river or stream

You should get a permit from the Environment Agency. If you don’t, you could be fined £5,000 and/or go to prison for up to two years. If your fence is going to be next to a river or stream, make sure it doesn’t block the flow of water.

Near a railway line

If your fence is going to be near a railway line, you will need to get permission from the rail company. All fencing must be fire resistant and if it is within 2 meters of an electric line, you will need permission from the electric company. If your fence is over 2 meters high or has metal posts, then you will also need permission from the local council for you to legally execute Oxford fence installation.

Near a listed building

Listed buildings are those that have been given special protection by their historic and architectural interest. If you are planning on installing a fence or gate within the grounds of a listed building, you will need to seek consent from your local authority.

This is because there are specific rules that must be followed when creating new structures in relation to listed buildings. You must also ensure that any new structure does not detract from the historic character of the area. For example, if your fence is visible from a public place then listed building consent may be required as it could affect its appearance.

Conclusion

Make sure that you follow all the rules before your Oxford fence installation project commences. The point of these rules is to ensure that Oxford is aesthetically pleasing and that it doesn’t become an eyesore as more people move in. It also protects property values from declining based on visual barriers around homes. In other words, this law serves many purposes at once: protecting property owners’ rights, ensuring that homeowners don’t have to deal with ugly fences, and improving the look of a growing community.