Family's Safety Fence Deemed Unacceptable by Council
A family in Chepstow has been ordered to dismantle a timber fence erected in their front garden, despite their pleas that it provides essential safety for their young child and large dog. Monmouthshire County Council refused a retrospective application from Sophie Daly to retain the structure, which replaced a hedge separating their property from the busy A48 road.
The Council's Verdict and Family's Concerns
Sophie Daly had sought permission to keep the 1.98-metre high fence and garden gate, arguing it significantly enhanced family security and offered better protection from traffic noise and pollution than the previous hedge. The fence was constructed between February and April this year, with the retrospective application submitted in August.
The decision was not without support. The sole neighbour who responded to the council's consultation described the fence as "modern but respectable". Furthermore, Paul Pavia, the Conservative councillor for the Mount Pleasant Ward, advocated for the structure, telling the planning committee it offered vital "protection from one of Chepstow's busiest roads".
Precedent and Environmental Harm Cited for Refusal
However, council planners stood firm. They determined that due to the property's "prominent location" at a gateway to the town, the fence and gate caused "unacceptable harm to the visual amenity and open character of the area".
This view was echoed within the planning committee. Conservative councillor Rachel Buckler stated she found the fence "detrimental and not in keeping", preferring the previous hedge. Independent member Emma Bryn voiced concerns that approval could "set a precedent" with a "really negative effect on the environment of Chepstow".
Adding to the reasons for refusal, the committee advised that the application provided insufficient "appropriate ecological mitigation or compensation" for the removed hedge. Ms. Daly's proposal to install a bird box and a "bug hotel" in the front garden was deemed inadequate to offset the loss.
