Furious residents in a new-build development near Canterbury, Kent, have described feeling like prisoners in their own homes after a spiked metal fence was mysteriously erected directly outside their windows. The barrier, which appeared without warning, has sparked outrage among homeowners and renters who say their views have been ruined and their mental wellbeing affected.
Council Powerless to Intervene
Canterbury City Council has stated it has no idea who installed the fence and cannot take any action to remove it. A council spokesperson explained that under a new government order, small-scale developments like this fence do not require planning permission if they are no higher than two metres. This means the authority has no legal grounds to intervene or enforce its removal.
Residents Consider Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Frustrated by the council's inaction, some residents are now contemplating drastic measures. Miles McCreadie, one of the affected homeowners, revealed that he and others have discussed using bolt cutters to dismantle the section of fencing in front of their windows. "It's just not fair," McCreadie said. "Somebody has put this big metal fence up so close to the building without thinking of the people who live here. It's a stressful thing to see when I open my curtains; it feels like we're trapped in a prison."
Ramune Bernataviciene, a mother-of-two who saved for 17 years to buy her ground-floor flat in the development, expressed similar distress. The railings now obstruct the views from her living room and both bedrooms. "It's horrible, I won't live like this," the 46-year-old stated. She is considering legal action to have the fence removed, adding, "I feel angry that the council says they don't have any power to do anything. But I won't just leave it. I have a short list of solicitors I'm considering, and so I'll do what I can, or if I can't I will sell the place and move somewhere else."
Councillor Vows to Continue Investigations
Ward councillor Harry McKenzie acknowledged the residents' plight, noting that the planning team confirmed the fence does not require permission due to its height. However, he vowed to continue investigations into the matter, as it remains unclear who owns the land where the fence was installed. "I understand why they feel that way, and I'm determined to help them as much as I can," Cllr McKenzie said.
The council spokesperson further elaborated on the government's order, stating, "Many people will be familiar with their rights to extend their homes or put up garden fences along the boundary of their house without having to come to the council for permission. The rights extend beyond homeowners and allow anyone to put up a fence as a means of enclosure as long as the fence is no higher than two metres." This clarification highlights the broader implications of the regulation, which has left residents feeling abandoned and seeking their own solutions to restore their quality of life.
