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FENCES IN CONSERVATION AREAS
With England becoming increasingly urban, and home-owners concerned over security, it is unsurprising that fences, walls and security gates are more prevalent now than in the past. One could question whether they create a deterrent or merely raise the interest of the more determined criminals, but they are probably successful at concealing a property from the mildly inquisitive passer-by. However, the suitability of the style of boundary erected around a property is an important consideration in villages and conservation areas.
An example of this occurred two years ago in Callow End. A quite large garden adjacent to the mainroad was obscured by a fence, some 50 yards long and 6 feet high.
For several months after construction, the light pine boards and white pre-cast concrete posts caught the eye of everyone driving through the village. Complaints to Malvern Hills Development Control, supported by local Councillor Tom Wells, led to some hope that the fence would be removed, but this proposal was not upheld. A year later, the fence had darkened and numerous plants and bushes had begun to soften the impact. Nevertheless, the fence has narrowed the perspective as one drives into the village.
This is not a tale with a happy ending but merely a reflection on how easily the ambience of a rural setting can be destroyed and a warning that such features are difficult to get removed under current planning regulations.
We are grateful to Christopher Brickell for bringing this case to our attention.
Fence in Callow End - Photo by
Christopher Brickell
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