A homeowner who replaced an old fence to help protect his garden from drug addicts has been told to rip it down because it breaks planning rules.

Now his neighbours could also have to tear down their fences because of a long-forgotten planning rule.

Finance worker David Farah, 43, of Sillwood Place, Sillwood Street, Brighton, has been tormented by addicts throwing syringes into his hedges and stolen handbags on to his lawn.

After reports of people wandering into his garden while he was at work in London, he replaced his ageing hedges and fencing with a new brick wall and fence.

However, a neighbour complained to Brighton and Hove City Council and checks by planners revealed none of the gardens in the period terrace are allowed to have fencing.

Even those that have stood for decades could have to be removed, rendering the homes vulnerable to criminals.

Mr Farah, who paid £64,000 for the flat in 1991, which is now worth about £500,000, said: "When I bought the place it was completely fenced in. I removed the previous fence and hedging because it was 15 years old and looked a mess.

"The area has a lot of drug problems. I have syringes thrown in and lots of handbags where they have been pilfered and then discarded."

Mr Farah said he did not know he could not have a fence and the restrictions did not show up in his original survey.

He said: "It came as a complete surprise. The council told me that in 1952, my terrace received a Grade II listing. Since then there has never been any planning permission to put fencing up.

"How can you, after 52 years, ask everyone to remove all their fencing?

"I have already contacted lawyers in Brighton to see if I can find someone experienced in this field. It's my property and I'm prepared to defend it.

"Any changes would leave the garden totally open to drug addicts who might break into my property to feed their habit."

A council spokeswoman said: "The houses on Sillwood Place are all listed buildings and that means consent should have been sought before the fences were put up.

"We always encourage the owners of listed buildings to seek advice from the planning department on what consents may be required before starting any works.

"Unfortunately, in this case, work got underway before any discussion with planning officers took place.

"Although the residents may not have been aware of it, this was a breach of planning regulations and because we consider the fences to be unsightly and a genuine detraction from the appearance of Sillwood Place, we have advised the owners they may be asked to remove them. However, the final decision will rest with the planning committee."