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By admin | Uncategorized
The tale of Robbie Williams planning permission battle is a cautionary tale for Wiltshire homeowners. Williams, the owner of a sprawling estate in Compton Bassett, has been locked in talks with the local authority over his plans to install a new fence.
The proposals, including a 2 meter high fence, were rejected by local officials. The objection notice cited the visual amenity of the village and it’s location next to a grade 1 listed Church. As a compromise, officials suggested a hedge would be in keeping with the village aesthetic.
“The fence would not be in keeping with that particular area and we are just waiting for a decision by Wiltshire Council whenever that will be. For us the fence would have been too high. One suggestion was that they could have a hedge instead as that would be more in keeping as it could be cut back. It is nothing personal. It was just an observation by the council and we put our points across.” — Council chairman, Pete Szczesiak
While most of our clients aren’t international pop stars, we could do well to heed the lessons of Williams. Before proceeding with the project you, or your contractor of choice, would do well to discuss the project with neighbours. You need to establish territory lines and ensure the dimensions of the fence don’t impose. In the event the fence is over 2 meters high, you’ll need to contact your local authority for planning permission.
Swindon, and other local authorities, publish checklists and address your FAQ’s online. You can view a planning permission checklist on the Swindon.gov site here. A site location plan and a fee for submission may be required. You can also visit the PlanningPortal.co.uk for more information.
Fortunately, unlike the Williams saga, the overwhelming majority of projects require no permission at all. If you’re in need of fencing in Swindon or Wiltshire, our team will measure up and discuss your proposals. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.