NEIGHBORS have hit out at an order for a homeowner to tear down a seven-metre privacy fence blocking views of Tesco trucks.
Matt Hubbard lives in a Grade II listed cottage in Limes Avenue, Derby, just a stone’s throw from the supermarket.
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After moving into the property two years ago, he decided to overhaul the garden and replace overgrown trees and shrubs with a hedge to bring in more sunlight – spending thousands of pounds in the process.
Matt applied for retrospective planning permission, citing the need for “privacy and security”.
But the application has been refused by Derby City Council, who have instead ordered him to tear it down.
The council says the fence is inconsistent with the area and appearance of Matt’s historic home.
The family appealed the decision, claiming Tesco trucks have a clear view of their cottage.
Matt also wrote that members of the public often trespassed on his land before the fence was erected.
The homeowner told MailOnline: ‘The garden was in such a state when we moved in two years ago that cleaning it up and making it livable was a priority.
“The railing it had had collapsed and was low, so items were thrown in by those leaving the big Tesco.
“We found a stolen rucksack and a stolen purse when we cleaned it out and handed both over to the police.”
He applied for retrospective permission when council officers were notified of the changes.
But permission was refused by the council on the grounds that the fence was “too tall” and “out of character”.
Neighbours, however, have rallied to support the family and expressed their disappointment at the “absolutely ridiculous” decision.
Dave Baughan told the BBC: “I have no problem with it, I would feel sorry for them.
“You get everyone to park here and go to Tesco. I don’t blame them for putting it up.”
Other neighbors accused the council of acting like “complete buffoons” and “having their priorities all wrong”.
Another neighbor praised the family for the “wonderful job” they have done transforming the garden, adding that the council should focus on more pressing issues.
A spokesman for Derby City Council said: “The landowner’s appeal against our refusal of retrospective planning permission was
discharged.
“The inspector noted that strong fencing along part of the front boundary is detrimental 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 have been in contact with the applicant and have advised them to discuss the matter with planning officers with a view to agreeing a boundary design which respects
the character and setting of this listed building, in accordance with the conclusions set out in the Inspector’s decision.
“We have the powers to take formal enforcement action if a voluntary settlement is not reached.”
How high can a garden fence be?
Despite what many people think, a garden fence can be up to 100m, but you need to get planning permission for any fence longer than 2m. Any fence under 2m does not need planning permission.
However, there are some complications to this.
If you are thinking of front garden hedges, the restrictions state that hedges along the path can be a maximum of 1m or 3ft.
You will need to get planning permission to put a cage on a 2m fence.
But if any plants you grow in that cage exceed 2m, you don’t need to get a growing plant permit.
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