RESIDENTS have been left fuming with their neighbour’s “unacceptable” fence and fear it is so dangerous it could kill someone.
Disgruntled homeowners in Horsham, West Sussex, are not happy with a newly approved 1.8m wooden boundary fence at the entrance of their street.
GoogleThe proposed fence has been approved which has left some locals annoyed[/caption]
GoogleResidents express concern over the angle of the junction with another road[/caption]
Locals fear the huge structure will block visibility at the already tricky junction with Water Lane – a busy road where cars whizz past at speed.
And they claim it’s only a matter of time before there’s a serious crash on the road in Storrington.
The fence was given the green light by Horsham District Council on April 7 despite push back from residents.
It is part of an scheme put forwards by the owners of a property on the road to extend their garden.
This would happen by swallowing up a bit of scrubland and repositioning a not-yet-built garage, reports The Argus.
But disappointed neighbours all from the same road have fired off ten separate letters of objection to the council.
One local said: “Erecting a 1.8m fence will create a potentially dangerous situation for pedestrians and motorists using the entrance of the lane and also the pedestrian entrance of Sandgate Park.”
Another fed up objector warned: “The fast-moving traffic poses a significant problem.
“The view will be even further curtailed by the proposed fencing, and thus it poses an increased hazard to traffic wanting to turn on to Water Lane. This is unacceptable to residents.”
A third blasted the council’s approval of the fence, calling the junction a “surprisingly busy” spot.
They revealed that the community had already seen a collision between a car and a dog in the area.
They added: “It’s heavily used by dog walkers, runners, and residents turning in and out.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”
And another disappointed resident told planners that people already struggle to stay safe on the narrow stretch.
They said: “There are very limited places for pedestrians to pull in. Many, rightly or wrongly, use the verge alongside Harleydene to get clear of passing traffic.
“Reducing their options is likely to cause congestion – as well as being a safety concern.”
Storrington and Sullington Parish Council also objected, highlighting safety and visibility concerns.
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Highways noted two recorded collisions within the vicinity of the site in the past five years.
However, they said these were “not attributed to the use of the existing access.”
“Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest the existing access onto Water Lane has been operating unsafely”, they concluded.
One nearby resident disputed this, stating: “The accidents at the junction referenced by WSCC Highways have only occurred since the new area of Sandgate Park was opened and the pedestrian usage and parking in the area increased significantly.
“In both incidents, the accidents were not minor, and cars were severely damaged, resulting in cars needing to be towed away as they were undriveable.”
Despite the storm of complaints, the land already belongs to the applicants – and their plans have officially been approved as “appropriate”.
Ultimately, the planning committee decided that the proposed fencing would “clearly define the new garden boundary while maintaining the visual quality of the site”.
Storrington and Sullington Parish Council have been contacted for comment by The Sun.
What to Do If You Disagree with the Council’s Planning Decision
Disputes over planning applications can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to challenge or resolve the situation:
Understand the Reasons: Carefully review the council’s decision and the specific reasons for refusal or enforcement. This will help you identify areas to address.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult a planning consultant or solicitor with expertise in planning law. They can offer tailored advice and represent your case if necessary.
Submit an Appeal: If you believe the decision is unfair, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Be prepared to provide evidence and technical details to support your case.
Explore Compromise: Engage with the council to see if a compromise can be reached. Adjusting aspects of the development, such as materials or design, may lead to an acceptable solution.
Engage the Community: Support from neighbours and local residents can strengthen your position. A petition or letters of support may highlight the development’s benefits.
Act Promptly: There are strict time limits for appeals and responses to enforcement notices. Ensure you act within the specified deadlines to avoid further complications.
Remember, while it can be frustrating, maintaining a constructive dialogue with the council is often the best way to find a resolution.
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