'Ridiculous' row over Ironbridge man's fence

Telford & Wrekin Council's planning officers had asked an Ironbridge resident to seek retrospective approval for the construction of a fence at his home because it sits within the Severn Gorge World Heritage Site and the Severn Gorge Conservation Area.

William Thomas, who lives at Wellington Road, had originally sought permission to take down a Leylandi hedge and replace it with a fence.

However, permission was only granted to remove the hedge and Mr Thomas told officials he had not received the letter which stated that a separate application would be needed for the fence.

When it was discovered that Mr Thomas had gone ahead and put up the fence, which borders steps that lead to Holy Trinity Church, he was required to submit a retrospective planning application.

As a result the Gorge Parish Council and Telford & Wrekin council officials objected to the proposal.

Speaking at the meeting Councillor Nicola Lowery, Mr Thomas's local representative, supported the plans and said: "I do not consider this application is harmful to the Ironbridge Gorge."

Council planning officer Kate Stephens had explained the authority's opposition.

She said: "It is officers', and conservation officers' opinion that the flight of steps and railings alongside it has been spoilt by the fence."

She added: "The context with this very striking flight of steps and this very prominent fence does concern officers which is why we are recommending refusal."

However, committee member Councillor Peter Scott questioned why officials had been asked to consider the proposal at all.

He said: "To my mind there is nothing wrong with it. It actually tidies up the area.

"I am surprised it has come in front of us actually. I am surprised the parish council has objected."

He added: "For the sake of humanity give this man a break and let him keep his fence."

Councillor Nigel Dugmore said the situation was "ridiculous", and said all that needed to happen was for the wood on the fence to be stained green.

He said: "What is the difference between having a green hedge which was acceptable and a green fence which is not?

"I appreciate there are tight constraints in a world heritage site but sometimes it just needs common sense. This really is not going to destroy the gorge."

The application was approved with the condition that the fence is painted green and that Mr Thomas comes up with a planting scheme for plants to cover the fence in the next three months.