NEIGHBOURS have criticised a homeowner who was forced to tear down a two-metre high fence that was blocking the view of Tesco lorries.
Matt Hubbard lives in a Grade II listed cottage in Limes Avenue, Derby, a stone’s throw from the supermarket.
After moving into the property two years ago, he decided to do up the garden and replace the overgrown trees and shrubs with fencing to let in more sunlight, spending thousands of pounds on it.
Matt filed a request for a retroactive building permit, citing a need for “privacy and security.”
But the application was rejected by Derby City Council, who instead ordered him to demolish the building.
The council says the fence is out of keeping with the surrounding area and the appearance of Matt’s historic home.
The family appealed the decision, arguing that Tesco’s lorries have a clear view of their home.
Matt also wrote that the public often entered his land before the fence was put up.
The homeowner told MailOnline: “When we moved in two years ago, the garden was in such a bad state that tidying it up and making it habitable was a priority.
“The fencing that was there had collapsed and it was low, so stuff was being thrown in from people leaving the big Tesco.
“When we cleaned up the place, we found a stolen backpack and a stolen handbag. We turned both of them in to the police.”
He requested retroactive approval when city officials were notified of the changes.
But the council refused permission because the fence was “excessively high” and “not in keeping with the style”.
However, neighbours have come out in droves to support the family and express their frustration over the “completely ridiculous” decision.
Dave Baughan told the BBC: “I don’t have a problem with it, I would feel sorry for them.
“You let everyone park here and go to Tesco. I don’t blame them for putting it there.”
Other neighbours accused the council of acting like “complete clowns” and “having their priorities all wrong”
Another neighbour praised the family for the “great job” they had done in transforming the garden, adding that the council could focus on more pressing matters.
A Derby City Council spokesman said: “The landowner’s appeal against our refusal of retrospective planning permission has been
turned down.
“The inspector noted that a substantial fence along part of the front boundary would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area and to the location and significance of Fennel Cottage, a Grade II listed building.
“Following this decision we contacted the applicant and advised him to discuss the matter with planning officers with a view to agreeing a boundary design that takes into account the
character and the environment of this protected building, in accordance with the conclusions in the Inspector’s decision.
“We have the authority to take formal enforcement action if a voluntary resolution is not reached.”
How high can a garden fence be?
Despite popular belief, a garden fence can be 100 metres high, but any fence higher than 2 metres requires a permit. Any fence shorter than 2 metres does not require a permit.
There are some complications, however.
If you are considering installing a fence for your front garden, there are restrictions: fences along a driveway may be a maximum of 1 metre high.
You will need a building permit to put a trellis on a 2m fence.
If a plant you grow on the rack is longer than 2 meters, you do not need to apply for a permit.