Homeowner Baffled by Neighbour's Objection to Privacy Fence in Trowbridge
A homeowner in Trowbridge has been left 'baffled' after a neighbour lodged a formal complaint against his six-foot-high fence, which was built without planning permission. Marcus Brown, 35, constructed the fence to ensure privacy for his young daughter in their garden, but now faces a bitter planning row that he describes as 'blown out of proportion'.
Retrospective Application Sparks Dispute
Mr Brown applied for retrospective planning permission on March 5, seeking to regularise the fence after realising that structures adjacent to a highway and longer than one metre require approval. However, his application was met with opposition from neighbour James Sutherland, who urged the council to refuse it. In his objection letter, Mr Sutherland labelled the fence as 'harmful' and 'out of keeping' with the street's appearance, arguing it creates a 'dark and prominent' feature that disrupts the openness and uniformity of the streetscape.
Mr Brown expressed his confusion, stating, 'It's baffling. The whole reason we've done this is my daughter. We haven't cut down any trees; we'd say we've actually improved it.' He added that the area was previously overgrown, making it difficult for drivers to see around corners and for pedestrians to pass, and that the fence has enhanced the street scene by improving sightlines and providing a clearer path.
Neighbour Accuses Jealousy Amid Support from Others
Suspecting jealousy, Mr Brown noted that he does not even know the complainant and that feedback from other neighbours has been largely positive. He and his wife invested their life savings into the property to create a family home, and he feels punished for trying to improve the area. 'You always upset someone, I just think it's jealousy personally,' he said. If the application is refused, he may have to reduce the fence height, compromising his family's privacy.
Other residents have voiced support for the fence. Brian Hobday, 71, and his wife Adrienne, 70, said, 'It's loads better now. The pavement is free from all the bushes, we have no problem. It enhances the area.' Another neighbour, Steve, 62, added, 'People should just let people get on. They've got kids so put the fence up for a bit of privacy.'
Planning Decision Pending
The fence is described as being behind a boundary wall and on the Brown's property, without encroaching on the highway. In a planning statement, the applicants emphasised that it serves as a clear boundary and improves safety. Councillors will make a final decision on the retrospective application at a later date, leaving the homeowner in limbo over what he sees as a necessary measure for his family's wellbeing.
