Man refused permission to keep fence outside Littlehampton home

Joe Francis applied to Arun District Council for retrospective permission for the 1.8-metre boundary at his property in Arundel Road, Littlehampton.

But this was refused - meaning he will have to appeal the decision or take it down.

Mr Francis had replaced an existing fence and removed overgrown shrubs at the site, proposing to instead plant new greenery along the boundary inside his garden.

Planning documents stated he had been unaware that permission was required for the change.

The fence was erected without planning permission (Image: Carl Moore Architectural Design)

But after assessing the fence, council officers said it was "incongruous and discordant" and failed to reflect the "open character" of the area. 

Refusing the application, they said the boundary did not integrate positively with the street and was "visually intrusive".

A large hedge was previously located outside the property, pictured in 2023 (Image: Google)

The fence had received a mixed response from neighbours.

In a letter of support, Hazel Winter said the timber panels "smartened up the area" and it was "so much easier" to walk on the pavement without the overgrown shrubbery.

But David Kinshuck labelled the fence "exceedingly ugly" and criticised the loss of vegetation. 

Littlehampton Town Council did not object to the fence, but expressed disappointment at the loss of habitat and encouraged replacement planting.

The hedge was later removed to be replaced by the fence (pictured in 2024) (Image: Google)

It was acknowledged by officers that the fence, which runs collectively for more than 35 metres along the northern and eastern boundaries of the property, was similarly high to that at another nearby property. 

But they said houses on Arundel Road generally had low walls and hedges, and there was no evidence the other similar fence had obtained planning permission. 

The council said it would be willing to give pre-application advice on a revised proposal.

Mr Francis now has 12 weeks to lodge an appeal against the decision or to take it down.