A homeowner has had to repaint his fence so he is allowed to keep it in his garden. David Soar appealed to planners to overturn to refuse permission for his fence, which they said stood out as a prominent and “somewhat stark” feature in the street in Mid Lothian, Scotland.
The Dalkeith street resident said in his appeal that he had repainted the fence which initial photographs showed as a reddish colour to a green hue. He said the fence was no longer “a stark feature” adding: “Colour has been changed to green in keeping with other boundary treatments in the street.”
And he pointed out no objections had been lodged to the fence by neighbours adding the garden “has become a pleasant useable space with increased security, privacy, reduction in pollution and traffic noise” since the fence was installed. Following a site visit to the house on Elmfield Park, members of the council’s Local Review Body, agreed with the applicant, Edinburgh Live reports.
Councillor Colin Cassidy said: “My opinion is that in light of the streetscape in that particular street and surrounding streets that this isn’t offensive or intimidating. I don’t find it in any way intrusive on that streetscape to be honest.
“Most of us felt the same, we thought it was a real hedge when we drew up there.” Councillor David Virgo agreed saying: “The steps that have clearly been taken to mitigate the impact of the fence are perfectly adequate.”
The review body agreed unanimously to uphold the appeal and allow the fence to stay.
