NEIGHBOURS have slammed an order for a homeowner to tear down a seven-foot privacy fence blocking views of Tesco lorries.
Matt Hubbard lives in a grade-II listed cottage in Limes Avenue, Derby, just a stone’s throw from the supermarket.
After moving into the property two years ago, he decided to overhaul the garden and replace overgrown trees and bushes with a fence to provide greater sunlight – spending thousands of pounds in the process.
Matt applied for retrospective planning permission, citing a need for “privacy and security”.
But the application has been rejected by Derby City Council, which has instead ordered him to rip it down.
The council says the fence is not in keeping with the area and the appearance of Matt’s historic home.
The family appealed the decision, claiming Tesco lorries have a clear view of their cottage.
Matt also wrote that members of the public would often trespass on his land prior to the erection of the fence.
The homeowner told MailOnline: “The garden was such a state when we moved in two years ago that clearing it and making it liveable was a priority.
“What fencing there was had collapsed and it was low so stuff was thrown in from those leaving the big Tesco.
“We found a stolen rucksack and a stolen purse when we cleared it and handed both in to the police.”
He applied for retrospective permission when council officers were alerted to the changes.
But permission was denied by the council on the basis that the fence was “excessively tall” and “out of character”.
Neighbours, though, have rallied to support the family and vented their frustration at the “absolutely ridiculous” decision.
Dave Baughan told the BBC: “I haven’t got a problem with it, I would feel sorry for them.
“You get everybody parking here and going to Tesco. I don’t blame them for putting it up.”
Other neighbours accused the council of acting like “complete buffoons” and “having their priorities all wrong”
Another neighbour praised the family for the “wonderful job” they’ve done transforming the garden, adding that the council should be focused on more pressing issues.
A spokesman for Derby City Council said: “The landowner’s appeal against our refusal for retrospective planning permission was
dismissed.
“The Inspector noted that solid fencing along part of the front boundary is harmful to the character and appearance of the area and the setting and significance of Fennel Cottage, a Grade II listed building.
“Following this decision, we’ve been in touch with the applicant and advised them to discuss the matter with planning officers with a view to agreeing a boundary design that respects the
character and setting of this listed building, in line with the conclusions outlined in the Inspector’s decision.
“We have the powers to take formal enforcement action if a voluntary solution isn’t reached.”
Despite what many people think a garden fence can be as high as 100m but you need to get planning permission for any fence taller than 2m.Any fence under 2m does not need planning permission.
However, there are some complications to this.
If you are thinking about front garden fences, restrictions state that fences alongside a driveway can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.
You would need to get planning permission for putting a trellis on a fence of 2m.
But, if any plant that you grow on that trellis exceeds 2m, you do not need to obtain a permit for the growing plant.
