A CONTROVERSIAL fence which was reportedly put up without permission to tackle antisocial behaviour could now be torn down after a retrospective application is set to be refused.
The large fence was built and put in place by a concerned resident in an alleyway between John Castle Way and Dudley Court, Colchester.
The resident who helped put up the fence claimed they were told they did not require planning permission.
However, the council said the response to the resident was an "informal officer opinion".
The application was referred to the planning committee because it was called in by councillor Martin Warnes and deemed “controversial locally”.
The complaint about the fence was originally made to the council's planning enforcement team, which was investigated.
A retrospective planning application for the fence was later submitted, which has been recommended for refusal.
Various groups were consulted over the plans, with different ideas discussed regarding the fence’s future.
Essex Police’s Designing Out Crime Office (DOCO) noted the force’s said its data and records for the location over the last 12 months do not appear to reflect the crime and antisocial behaviour as proposed.
Meanwhile, the Colchester Cycling Campaign objected and requested the fence be removed.
Other objection concerns raised were about the loss of walkable access to amenities and public transport, worries over access for emergency vehicles and fears over isolation from the community.
Support comments referenced the alleyway being allegedly used for criminal activity and being a hotspot for antisocial behaviour as well as the fence making it safer for children.
The council noted it was discussed a lockable gate be installed in place of the fence panels.
The applicant said this idea would only cause “further issues and disgruntlement”, and explained how residents would “not feel comfortable going to lock the gate” due to the possibility of being threatened by those carrying out the antisocial behaviour.
The council concluded whilst the need for the fence to combat perceived antisocial behaviour is understood, blocking the alleyway fails to promote active and sustainable modes of transport.
The application has been recommended for refusal.
If agreed, the applicant can appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
If the appeal were to fail, the fence would have to be torn down.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel