Some will count trellis within wall height, some will count them as a temporary structure, and some will only include it within the fence height limitations if attached to the fence. Check with your local authority how they classify trellises for example.
If you want a fence or wall higher than 1m, largely you'll need to apply for planning permission, however, there may be some work around possible. If it's a period property, this can be potentially achieved by sourcing reclaimed bricks or using services such as brick tinting. If rebuilding an existing brick wall, try to source bricks that match the style of the house to avoid a jarring look. ( MORE: 25 Things You Can Do Without Planning Permission) However, front gardens, or more specifically those next to a highway used by vehicles, can only be up to 1m high without requiring planning permission. The rule of thumb in the UK is that while back garden fences and walls can be up to 2m high under Permitted Development rights. (Image credit: Unit 1 Architects Charlie Birchmore Photography) Log stores are also an attractive feature for the front of your home, with many kinds of sizes and styles available. You could match a timber storage box, created to your storage needs, with fences and other finishes on the front of your property. (Image credit: Belderbos Landscapes)įor some properties, front garden storage is essential, especially to preserve your kerb appeal when dealing with the likes of wheelie bins and bikes.Ī small shed or storage box, either made from treated timber or plastic, may do the job just fine for your garden, and can be positioned in a way to make sure they're not a dominant feature in your garden, hidden behind foliage or tucked around the side of the property.Īlternatively, opt for a handsome, bespoke design that matches in with your front garden design. Storage Ideas for Front GardensĬedar batons, as used in this Belderbos Landscapes scheme for bespoke storage and screening from the neighbours, are a popular design trend for gardens. Gravel is one of the cheapest choices for a driveway, however, it remains popular as it acts as as a deterrent to would-be burglars entering your property as it makes a noise underfoot. When choosing a material for driveways, from block pavers to tarmac and gravel, think about it in tandem with your paving choice and ensure that the two not only work together, but create a contrast that stops the driveway feeling one-note. If possible, don’t be tempted to block pave over the entire front garden - plenty of plants will live with parking, so modern drives can combine parking and green functions.
If cars are to be parked on the garden then it’s not game over for living plants. Unfortunately many of us don’t live on such roads, and provision for parking may also be a requirement when applying for planning permission for a new home - as such you may require a different approach. If your house is on a wide, leafy street with enough on-street parking then, for the sake of the environment (and if the planners allow), leave the cars on the road and keep the garden for plants. One question you’re going to have to answer early on is whether you are including parking in the design. Think about what can be seen over your garden wall or fence, to ensure that the front garden looks just as good for your neighbours as it does for you. Play around with height and structure in your planting design too. A simple colour palette with one or two accents may be more effective than a colourful but chaotic display.