Homeowner allowed to build higher fence despite 'neighbour dispute'

A homeowner has been given the go-ahead to raise a fence between their home and the one next door despite objections and “ongoing neighbour issues”.

Objectors to the plans to replace part of a low separating fence with a higher one claimed there were vandalism issues at the site and said the higher barrier would reduce natural light and “worsen an existing situation”.

However, East Lothian planners said claims in two letters of objection of issues at the properties at Winton Terrace, in the conservation area of New Winton, near Tranent, were matters for “civil proceedings” or the police and had no bearing on their decision.

They approved the raising of the fence, ruling it would not impact on neighbours’ light or be out of character with the conservation area.

In a planning officer’s report into the plans, two objectors were said to have opposed the fence.

The report said that among the objections were claims the submitted drawings were wrong, putting a greenhouse, playhouse and shrubbery in the applicant’s garden in the wrong place.

There were also concerns that “the objector does not wish for anybody other than council workers being on their property to erect the proposed fencing”, and asked “would a neighbour be legally allowed to paint the fence on their side of the property?”

Objectors also said there were ongoing neighbour issues that the council is involved in.

However, officers said: “The comments received regarding issues of vandalism and ongoing neighbour relations are not material planning consideration.

“It would be for the council’s protective services and/or Police Scotland to investigate any allegations of vandalism, antisocial behaviour or nuisance.”

And they added: “The matters of workmen requiring access to a neighbouring property and the legality of a neighbour painting their side of any proposed fencing are civil matters.”

By local democracy reporter Marie Sharp