When a new tenant moves into one of our homes we will make sure that any fencing and gates to the property are secure and in a good state of repair.
We will carry out future repairs to fencing or gates if they meet the criteria below.
We will replace fencing or gates:
- If your garden adjoins a main road and you have children under 7years old living in the property listed as occupants.
- If there is a difference in levels in your garden or on the boundary of your garden that poses a risk to health and safety.
- If the existing fence or gate is in a condition where it poses a risk to health and safety and cannot be economically repaired i.e. where a fence is leaning out over a public footpath.
We will not replace fencing or gates:
- If there is already a boundary in place. We do not remove hedges, trees or bushes to install fencing and we will not install a fence or gates if you have removed hedges, trees or bushes.
- To dividing fences (a fence between your garden and your neighbour's garden) unless the request satisfies one of the above three criteria.
- If you have previously removed the fence or gate i.e. if you have removed a section of fencing to allow a vehicle to be parked in your garden. If you obtain permission to create a drive in your garden, you are responsible for altering the fencing and providing gates.
- To prevent pets (usually dogs) from entering or leaving your garden. Pets are the responsibility of their owner and they need to make sure that they are kept suitably under control.
- If you have a side gate (often called a ‘dog gate’) that is broken we will repair it if we can do so. We do not install or replace dog gates. If a broken dog gate cannot be repaired, we will remove it completely and make good any disturbed surfaces.
Sometimes, new fencing is installed to try and prevent or deter vandalism or Anti-Social behaviour by enhancing security. In these circumstances, the local area and neighbouring properties are considered at the same time. Often this type of fencing is installed to multiple homes not just single addresses.
We replace damaged fencing and gates in metal because it requires less future maintenance than wooden fencing and is less likely to be damaged or stolen. In some areas we replace fencing and gates in timber on a ‘like for like’ basis so that the appearance of the area can be maintained.
As a general rule, we follow local Planning Guidance rules with regards the height of new fencing:
Unless your request is assessed as being urgent, your gate or fence request will be added to a planned works list provided that it meets the criteria for renewal. We issue planned works to our contractors in large volumes and by doing it this way we are able to negotiate discounts with our contractors. Our aim is to complete planned fencing schemes within 90 days.