Eyesore fence given the go-ahead

PLANNING chiefs have cleared the way for a two metre high fence around a piece of waste land off Longbutt Lane, Lymm – despite opposition from Lymm Parish Council and Lymm’s borough councillors.
The fence will enclose a piece of land which has been at the centre of an ongoing planning battle for more than 30 years during which proposals for a detached house, two shops, five affordable homes, three affordable homes and a detached bungalow have all been rejected.
Local councillors objected to the fence on the grounds it would be too high and would be intrusive on the street scene, which verges on to the Green Belt.
But the borough council’s planning committee was told the development did not require planning consent because the fence would be only two metres high and would be set back two metres from Longbutt Lane.
As a result, there was no legal reason why the landowners could be stopped from building the fence.
If the council tried to take enforcement action the applicant would easily win any appeal – and would almost certainly be awarded costs.
Cllr Sheila Woodyatt (pictured) – who voted against the proposal – said: “It was very frustrating because we would have liked to be able to refuse this. But because the fence is to be placed two metres back from the road we have no power to do so.
“We think the fence will be an eyesore. It will completely ruin a lovely spot.”
A “for sale” sign was recently erected on the site.