B5.7.1 Front boundaries

Code: C5.20

Front boundary treatments must be designed using materials and detailing that respond positively to the surrounding streetscape and character, as established through the Local Character and Context Assessment (C1.2 and G1.2, where applicable). This ensures that new development reinforces local distinctiveness and integrates appropriately with its setting.

The following list outlines acceptable boundary treatment options by area type:

  • Highly Urban Area Type (80+dph): In high-density contexts, front boundaries may not be required, particularly where there is no ground floor residential use. Where they are necessary, suitable treatments include: metal railings, low brick or stone walls (optionally combined with railings or clipped hedges), planters with integrated seating, or high-quality glazed panels

  • Urban Area Type (50+dph): Similarly, a front boundary may not always be required. Where it is, acceptable options include: metal railings, brick or stone walls (which could be paired with railings or formal evergreen hedging), and low-level planting with clearly defined edging

  • Suburban Area Type (40+dph): Brick or stone walls which can be combined with railings or hedges, mixed planting with defined edging

  • Outer Suburbs and Villages Area Type (30+dph): Natural stone walls, native hedgerows, timber picket fences, and post-and-rail fencing, ideally softened with planting

A series of 8 square sketches show the following boundary treatments: Low brick wall, low brick wall combined with metal railings, low brick wall combined with clipped hedges, low brick wall with feature panelling combined with clipped hedges, low natural stone wall, clipped native hedgerows, timber picket fencing softened with planting, post and rial fencing softened with planting.

Figure 157: Shows a sketch selection of acceptable front boundary treatments (Code: C5.20)

Left to right: Low brick wall, Low brick wall combined with metal railings, Low brick wall combined with clipped hedges, Low brick wall with feature panelling combined with clipped hedges, Low natural stone wall, Clipped native hedgerows, Timber picket fencing softened with planting, Post and rail fencing softened with planting

New build two storey red brick detached dwellings with low level brick walls and black metal railings to the front.

Figure 158: Shows low brick walls combined with railings at Thornesgate Gardens, Wakefield (Code: C5.20)

Two stone built dwellings on the corner of an estate road with natural stone boundary walls in keeping with the character of the dwellings

Figure 159: Shows new development which makes use of characteristic natural stone boundary walls in Badsworth village (Code: C5.20)

Code: C5.21

Any proposed primary front boundaries (those facing streets) must be low (up to 1 metre in height) or visually permeable, ensuring sight lines and visual connection between homes and the street are maintained.

Code: C5.22

Solid, close-boarded fencing (of any height) must not be used where a boundary adjoins an area of open space or street to avoid a negative impact on the street scene, and to ensure adequate sight lines are achieved.

Exception: If a taller or open boundary is required due to privacy or security concerns (for example, a corner plot where the rear garden is adjacent to the street, or for when additional surveillance is required over a rear parking court or bays), other contextually appropriate boundary measures may be acceptable including:

  • low walls (1 metre) topped with hedging, trellis, or railings

  • taller walls (max 2 metres) designed with piers, corbelling, copings, projections, or patterning to add visual interest

  • high close boarded fencing panels (1.5 metres) with 0.3 metre high trellis

  • vertical ‘hit and miss’ timber fencing with planting to the front