Marcus Brown, a homeowner in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has found himself at the centre of a contentious planning dispute over a six-foot fence erected without prior permission. After a complaint was lodged, he was compelled to submit a retrospective planning application to legalise the structure.
Describing the objection as “baffling” and motivated by “jealousy,” Marcus insists the fence improves safety and aesthetics. He explained that before the fence was installed, overgrown bushes obstructed visibility on the street and made pedestrian pathways difficult to navigate. “You couldn’t see round the corner driving, and walking past was a nightmare,” he said. He added that the fence also enhances privacy for his family, particularly his daughter.
Conversely, one neighbour, James Sutherland, formally opposed the fence, calling it a “dark and prominent” feature that spoils the visual harmony of Willow Grove. He argued that most properties feature open frontages or low boundary treatments which preserve the street’s character. Sutherland urged the council to reject the retrospective application, saying the tall timber fence disrupts the established, cohesive appearance of the neighbourhood and conflicts with local planning policies on visual amenity.
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Despite the complaint, several neighbours have come to Marcus’s defence. Brian Hobday, 71, and his wife Adrienne voiced their approval, highlighting how the removal of overgrown bushes has cleared the pavement and improved the area’s appearance. Another local, Steve, 62, supported the fence as a reasonable measure for family privacy.
Marcus said he was unaware of the regulation limiting fences near highways to one-metre heights without planning permission and was surprised by the backlash. He emphasised that the fence sits within his property boundary and does not encroach on the public highway. He acknowledges the council’s decision is pending and hopes the matter can be resolved without further conflict.
The situation underscores common tensions in residential areas between individual property improvements and preserving community character. Marcus remains hopeful that the fence will be accepted as a positive addition rather than a divisive feature.