Resident Consultation: Fencing in Gardens and Communal Areas

Helping us shape our approach to fencing

Launch date: 22 May 2026
Closing date: 20 June 2026

We’re inviting all residents to share their views on how fencing is managed across our homes, both within private gardens and in shared communal areas.

Fencing plays an important role in defining spaces, maintaining safety, supporting privacy, and contributing to the overall appearance of our neighbourhoods. We want to ensure our approach to fencing is clear, fair, and meets the needs of residents.

This consultation is your opportunity to help shape how fencing is managed in the future.

Why we are consulting

We know that fencing can affect:

• Privacy between neighbouring properties
• Security and safety for residents, children, and pets
• The look and feel of our communities
• Responsibilities for maintenance, repair, and replacement

We currently receive a range of enquiries about fencing, including repairs, responsibility for boundaries, requests for changes, and standards for communal areas. To help improve our approach, we are reviewing our fencing guidance and processes.

Your feedback will help us:

• Understand what matters most to residents
• Identify any issues with current arrangements
• Develop clearer and more consistent policies
• Improve communication about responsibilities and permissions

What we want your views on

We would like your feedback on several aspects of fencing management, including:

1. Responsibility and maintenance

• Are responsibilities for maintaining fencing clear?
• Do you feel current arrangements are fair?
• Are there areas where responsibilities should change or be clarified?

2. Standards and appearance

• What are the basic requirements you feel fencing would need to meet in terms of height and materials?
• How important is consistency in fencing across neighbourhoods?
• Should there be different standards for private gardens vs communal spaces?

3. Changes and permissions

• How easy is it to request permission to install, replace, or alter fencing?
• What improvements could we make to the process?
• What types of changes should or shouldn’t be allowed?

4. Communal areas

• Are shared boundaries and communal spaces managed effectively?
• What improvements would you like to see in these areas?
• How should fencing be used (or not used) in communal spaces?

5. Safety and accessibility

• Does current fencing support safety and security?
• Are there any issues relating to visibility, access, or hazards?

How to share your views

We welcome your thoughts, questions and suggestions to help shape the policy and guidance.

You can get in touch with us:

• By email: mail@cornerstonehousing.net
• By online form: using the form on this page
• By phone: 01392 273462 (Option 3)
• In writing: Cornerstone Housing, Western Way, Exeter, EX1 1AL
• In person: At our reception in Western Way (open daily 10.00–12.00 and 2.30–4.30)

If you would prefer to discuss this in conversation, we can arrange a call or meeting at a time that suits you. If you would rather speak to a resident on our Resident Engagement Panel, that can also be arranged.

The consultation is open until 20 June 2026.

What happens next

Once the consultation has closed on 20 June 2026, we will:

• Review all responses carefully
• Identify key themes and areas for improvement
• Develop updated guidance and policies on fencing
• Share the results of the consultation and explain next steps

Your input will play an important role in shaping how we manage fencing across our homes.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to consider this consultation. Your feedback is important and will help us develop a policy that is open, fair and informed by residents’ views.