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Western Escarpment Boundaries to Properties guide

Summary

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Traditional boundary treatments such as native hedgerows, picket fences, post-and-rail or post-and-wire fencing, five-bar gates and chestnut paling are recommended in the Western Escarpment Conservation Area to preserve its rural character. New boundary work should be sympathetic to the landscape and avoid suburban features like close-boarded panels, tall security fences with lights, and non-native hedging such as Leylandii or laurel. Some boundary changes may need planning consent; advice is available via the Planning Portal or the New Forest National Park Planning Service. Further guidance and detailed character appraisals

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www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

New Forest National Park Local Development Framework

Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document

December 2011

New Forest National Park Authority

Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document 2011

Produced by the Western Escarpment Conservation Area Steering Group

Boundaries to properties in the Western Escarpment Conservation Area

The Western Escarpment is an important part of the National Park. Boundary treatments contribute significantly to the character of the area. Traditional boundaries such as hedgerows and rural fencing work well as they fit comfortably into the landscape.

Great care needs to be taken to ensure that new boundary treatments are sympathetic and do not detract from the special character of the area.

This note offers practical guidance on traditional boundary treatments, where to obtain advice and find out if planning consent is needed.

Consider traditional boundary treatments...

  • Indigenous/native hedging
  • Picket fencing
  • Post and wire fencing
  • Post and rail fencing
  • A combination of post and rail fencing with native hedgerows
  • Timber five bar and wicket gates
  • Chestnut paling
Picket fence in front of hedge
Timber five bar gate
Post and rail fencing
Post and rail fencing with native hedgerow

...rather than

  • Close boarded fencing and panels adjacent to the highway and public footpaths
  • Tall suburban style security fences and gates with lights
  • Planting Leylandii, laurel or similar non-native hedging

Guidance on planning

  • Some boundaries will require planning consent. If in doubt, please check!
  • Refer to the Planning Portal: www.planningportal.gov.uk
  • Contact the New Forest National Park Planning Service hotline 01590 646615 (between the hours of 08:45 and 13:00).

Further guidance

  • Western Escarpment Conservation Area leaflet
  • New Forest National Park Authority: Western Escarpment Conservation Area Character Appraisal
  • New Forest National Park Authority: Design Guide pages 65 - 68
  • Leaflet produced by the New Forest National Park Authority in association with the Forestry Commission and the Verderers: Advice and guidance for owners of properties adjoining the Forest
  • A guide to ancient trees for landowners and Native species: Hedgerow Planting Guide
  • www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

December 2013. NPA 00071.

Keep your distance

Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.