A MAN managed to stop his fence from being torn down by painting it a different colour.
David Soar was told by his local council the new boundary around his front garden would need to be removed.
Media ScotlandDavid was told his new fence was a ‘stark feature’[/caption]
Media ScotlandIn a bid to save it he painted it green[/caption]
After putting up the brown fence David said planning officers told him it was a “stark feature”.
Plotted on the boarder of his property and driveway in Midlothian, Scotland, David wanted to have more privacy and safety.
In a bid to save the structure, he decided to paint it green.
He told EdinburghLive: “[The front garden] has become a pleasant useable space with increased security, privacy, reduction in pollution and traffic noise.”
Now camouflaged next to the hedges, the home-owner launched an appeal asking officers to reconsider.
Claiming no objections were issued by neighbours, councillors visited the home to reconsider the newly painted panelling.
Upon their inspection, it was decided the fence could stay as it wasn’t “offensive or intimidating”.
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 added: “The steps that have clearly been taken to mitigate the impact of the fence are perfectly adequate.”
A unanimous decision was made to allow David to keep his fence.
One woman wasn’t so lucky when she was told by her council to tear down a brand new extension.
Sevlin Aslan built a utility room and a wall to protect her privacy.
They paid £15,000 for the extension in April 2020, but just a month after it was finished Blaby District Council informed them they were in breach of planning rules.