Post and Rail Fencing and Playground Protection for a New Build Development

Solution

The new build development required two complementary fencing solutions. Timber post and rail fencing was installed around the outer green space to provide an attractive and unobtrusive boundary, while Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing was used around the central playground to create a secure environment for children.

Timber Post and Rail Fencing

Around the perimeter of the communal green area, the project included 133m of 1.5m high morticed timber post and rail fencing, four mobility kissing gates and field gates.

The timber fence creates a clear but welcoming boundary around the open space, helping to guide pedestrian movement while preserving views across the landscaped areas.

The mobility kissing gates help ensure the park remains accessible to a wide range of users. Unlike traditional V-shaped kissing gates, which can be restrictive to navigate, these wider designs accommodate pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters more easily, allowing residents and visitors to access the green space comfortably while still managing movement through the site.

Why Post and Rail Was Chosen

Post and rail fencing is a popular choice for housebuilders and new build estates because it provides a practical boundary without dominating the landscape.

The open design helped the fencing blend naturally into the surrounding green infrastructure while maintaining clear sightlines across the site. Unlike solid fencing or heavier boundary solutions, post and rail fencing helps preserve an open feel across the development's public spaces, creating defined boundaries without restricting views, which is particularly important in an area used by families and children.

The design also supports the movement of local wildlife through the wider landscape, helping maintain the ecological connectivity that forms part of the development's masterplan.

Our Morticed Post and Rail fencing was chosen as it combines traditional appearance with long term durability. The system features morticed rails for a strong and secure connection, intermediate prick posts that provide additional support and enhance the overall appearance, and special galvanised fittings embedded within the posts to help prevent splitting. All fixings are heavily galvanised for increased longevity, while the pressure treated timber is designed to withstand the demands of outdoor environments. Backed by a 25 year guarantee, the fencing provides a robust and attractive boundary solution for public spaces and residential developments.

Anti-Trap Bow Top Playground Fencing

Within the central green space, a dedicated children's play area was enclosed with 23m of 1.2m high galvanised Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing in a powder coated blue finish. Additionally, a single leaf gate complete with self-closing hinges and safety latch was installed. The fencing provides a secure playground boundary while maintaining visibility into and out of the play area.

Why Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing Was Chosen

For the children's play area, Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing was selected to provide a safe and durable enclosure.

Designed specifically for parks, schools and recreational areas, the fencing features a pale-through-rail construction with tamper-resistant connectors for enhanced strength and durability.

A key safety feature is the increased spacing between hoops above the top rail. This design helps prevent children from trapping their heads, necks or limbs while still maintaining compliant gaps between pales below the rail.

In addition to its anti-trap design, the fencing offers a range of features that make it well suited to playground environments. The system conforms to playground standard BS EN 1176 and incorporates a RoSPA approved design, providing reassurance that safety has been considered throughout.

The bright blue finish also helps create a welcoming and child-friendly appearance while clearly identifying the playground boundary.

The completed fencing installation provides a layered approach to managing the communal space. The timber post and rail fencing defines the wider green area without restricting views, while the Anti-Trap Bow Top fencing creates a dedicated and secure environment for play.

Together, the two systems deliver an attractive, durable and practical solution that enhances the public realm and supports the needs of residents. Backed by a 25 year guarantee on both the timber and steel fencing systems, the installation was designed to provide long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance requirements.

For housebuilders, this project demonstrates how post and rail fencing can be successfully incorporated into new build estates to create well defined open spaces that remain visually appealing, accessible and safe for the wider community.

Fencing and Gates for the Housing Industry

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