A retired couple are at war with their local council after they replaced a 20ft high hedge at the side of their home with a 6ft fence. Ronald and Jennifer Anderson removed the hedge after it had become so tall it towered over the street lamppost and "blocked out the sun", but replaced it with a fence to ensure the garden remained safe for their dog.
But council planners told them they needed to apply for planning permission for the new fence. And when they did, retrospectively, the local authority rejected the application. Now the couple are appealing the decision to the council's Local Review Body after pointing out they have planted climbers in front of the fence which will cover it in a short space of time, EdinburghLive reports.
Speaking at his home in the East Lothian village of Pencaitland Mr Anderson said: "The fence was put up in 2020 and cost around £1500 but it replaced a 20ft high hedge which blocked my neighbour's sunlight. The main part of our garden is to the side of the house and we need a secure boundary for our dog Barclay so he can enjoy the outside safely.
"The hedge was allowed under planning policy but the replacement fence is not? It beggars belief."
Mr Anderson said the couple set the fence back by a foot from the front garden wall and planted laurel and climbing plants between the two so the fence will not be visible from the road once they have grown. However planners ruled the fence was 'not appropriate; for its setting and out of character with the 'largely low front roadside boundary enclosures' They added it would set a 'dangerous precedent' for front gardens in the area.
The Local Review Body will hold a virtual hearing of the appeal on Thursday, July 20.
