Alison and Ian Lawrence from New Milton, Hampshire, are upset about their neighbor Deborah Olthoff’s newly erected 3-meter high spiked fence, which they claim ruins their garden and darkens the space. The Lawrences invested £20,000 in landscaping, but assert the fence, which resembles Colditz Castle, was built without permission and negatively affects their property. Despite the couple’s objections to the New Forest District Council, the fence received retroactive approval, causing further frustration. Alison Lawrence plans to report the council’s decision to the Government Ombudsman, expressing disbelief over the approval of such an imposing structure.
A couple claim their neighbor’s 3m-high spike fence has made their garden feel like a modern-day version of Colditz Castle.
Alison and Ian Lawrence, from New Milton, Hampshire, have described the privacy fence as “horrific” and claim it was erected without permission by their new neighbour, Deborah Olthoff.
A couple who recently spent £20,000 on landscape design say the fence has “ruined” their dream garden.
Local authorities also appear to be on Orthog’s side, allowing the property manager to maintain the fence due to a retrospective planning application.
Alison and Ian Lawrence described the decision as “soul-destroying” and accused the local council of “not considering the damage to our property” and said they would like to address the issue as much as possible. He insisted on escalating the situation.
Olthoff moved into the £640,000 four-bed house in April last year and had the spiked fence erected about two months later.
There used to be a fence in the backyard, but as part of Olthoff’s work it was “significantly raised” and is now “in excess of 3 meters” tall, according to a neighbor.
Mrs Lawrence, a mother of three adult children, said the fence had caused “significant problems” since it was erected, including darkening the garden.
Alison Lawrence (pictured) stands in her garden in front of her neighbor’s new ‘privacy’ fence
Alison and Ian Lawrence say the fence is causing “huge problems”, including darkening their garden.
The fence, which resembles the infamous Colditz Castle in eastern Germany, has a spiked top.
Mrs Lawrence detailed the effect the unsightly wood had on the couple, saying: “If we ever wanted to sell a property, I don’t know anyone who would look at a fence like that and want to buy it.” spoke.
Fences surrounding single-family homes are also lined with small plastic spikes, often used as a “pest control” measure to prevent cats and other animals from entering or exiting the property.
Lawrence claimed that the fence was “too high” to hang a ladder through the narrow gap between the roof and the tall wooden fence, and that the couple had no “control” over the home’s gutters.
“It actually coincides with the beginning of our roof,” she said.
Despite the Lawrences’ protests, Mr Olthoff’s ‘privacy’ fence was granted retrospective planning permission by New Forest District Council in November.
Mrs Lawrence said it also came after New Milton’s local authority wrote to the council objecting to the fence, saying it was “unsightly, a nuisance to the neighbourhood, and overly dominating”.
“Our objections did not bother us at all and were within all guidelines,” she added.
“I can’t believe anyone would approve a fence of that size. It’s terrible. They just let it pass.”
Mrs Lawrence insisted the council had chosen the “path of least resistance” and said the decision was motivated by money as it did not want to spend money on enforcement.
Mr and Mrs Laurence recently spent £20,000 on landscape design for their garden.
The Lawrences say they are currently unable to maintain their rain gutters because the fence on the side of their home prevents them from using a ladder.
A spiked finish on a fence is claimed to help with ‘pest control’ by preventing animals from entering or exiting your garden
Mrs Lawrence, who visited to inspect the new fence, claims that one council official remarked that it resembled Colditz Castle, the infamous prisoner of war camp from World War II.
“It’s like Colditz and we live by the highway. We’re completely fenced in,” she said.
She said she plans to work on the issue “as much as I can,” even though she feels like there’s “nothing we can really do.”
“I was hoping we could come to a compromise on the fence, and I didn’t want to have neighbors who were at odds with each other, but it’s really unreasonable.”
The Lawrences also complained about a fence installed at the front of their property, which was found to be “hazardous” when backing up onto a busy road.
This is because the structure in front of you makes it difficult to see approaching vehicles.
In her public objection, Mrs Lawrence said: ‘While we understand that the fence was erected to provide greater privacy and for safety reasons for the applicant, “The fence is adjacent to the decking area of her garden and the height between the fences is artificially increased.” We have to endure the applicant overlooking our garden and not giving us privacy. ”
The homeowner added that the application was “in breach of national planning policy”.
The Lawrences also complained about a fence erected in front of Olthoff’s property.
The couple said the fence resembled one found at the infamous World War II POW camp at Colditz Castle (pictured)
The Lawrences say their next action is to report the local council’s decision to the Government Ombudsman.
In approving Olthoff’s fence, New Forest District Council acknowledged that its construction would have a “certain impact” on the Lawrence family, but that it “does not justify its refusal”.
Ms Olthoff also defended the fence, saying the council was satisfied with all aspects of it, including its height.
She also said her home was located on a higher lot than the Lawrences and this was a factor taken into account by the council.
New Forest District Council said: “The design of the fence and its impact on the area and neighboring residents has been carefully assessed.”
“Complaints will be dealt with by the Development Management Services Manager in accordance with our Corporate Complaints Procedure, details of which can be found on our website.”
“There is no right of appeal against this planning decision.
“If a neighbor remains dissatisfied after our complaint has been processed, we may refer the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.”
