Fence Fight: Couple ordered to tear down 'ugly' garden boundary

A couple residing in an affluent suburb of Poole, Dorset, are embroiled in a costly dispute with their local council over a 6ft garden fence. Paul and Lisa Toomer erected the wooden fence to enhance security and privacy, especially after witnessing attempted burglaries and a new home being built that overlooked their property. They believed they were acting within permitted development rights. However, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) initiated legal action, demanding the fence's removal. The council claims that because the property borders a highway, only a 3.2ft fence is permissible without retrospective planning permission. Although the Toomers applied for this permission, it was refused, with the council citing the fence as 'out of character' due to its visibility and dominance within the street scene. The couple has spent nearly £3,000 fighting the council's enforcement notices, appealing the decision, and face the prospect of demolishing the fence or reducing it to a height they deem ineffective.

Despite facing multiple enforcement notices and losing an initial appeal, the Toomers are refusing to yield. They argue the fence is a standard wooden structure and that other properties bordering highways in the vicinity have higher fences. Mrs. Toomer expressed frustration, calling the council's actions a 'witch hunt' and questioning the refusal of their application. Mr. Toomer, a scuba diving instructor, stated he would not invest further in disguising the fence if it ultimately must be removed. They had previously improved the garden, removing overgrown bushes and old fencing, believing they were enhancing their property. The ongoing situation means a final appeal decision is pending, leaving the future of their fence uncertain.