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Class MA: Prison fences and enclosures
Class MA was introduced in 2023. It permits the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure in connection with a prison. The height must not exceed 5.5 metres above ground level.
For Class MA, “prison” has the same meaning as in Class M, so check that definition before assuming an institution qualifies. Class MA itself contains no prior approval procedure. The legislation is below.
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Prison fence legislation
Class MA – alteration etc. of prison fences
Permitted development
MA. The erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure in connection with a prison.
Development not permitted
MA.1 Development is not permitted by Class MA if the height of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure would exceed 5.5 metres above ground level.
Interpretation
MA.2 For the purposes of Class MA “prison” has the same meaning as in Class M of this Part.
Current legislation: Part 7 of Schedule 2 on legislation.gov.uk
Prison fence Page Updated: 23rd September 2026