Town council planners are objecting to a new fence in a Romsey housing estate, saying it would create an 'uncomfortable precedent'.

Stewart Smith wants to put up a fence in The Tyleshades.

The planning application has received three objections and one comment in support. 

Romsey Town Council's planning committee submitted an objection after its meeting on Thursday, January 25. 

One objector, David Norton, of The Tyleshades, addressed the meeting: “The Tyleshades dwellings were designed as open plan. The pathways should not be enclosed, so to maintain the character of the area, as intended by the original architect. 

“The open plan design contributes to the public amenity. Erecting a 2m high 30m long fence along the pathway would be detrimental to the character of the area and set a precedent for others to have similarly high fences.”

Cllr Sandra Gidley said: “I think it's out of character. It would create an uncomfortable precedent.”

In an objection on Test Valley Borough Council's planning website, Richard Williams, of Sydmanton Road, said: “It is not in keeping with the open character of the area. It is contrary to the design of the area in which front gardens and paths have been kept open. Since the application is contrary to the original design, it is presumably contrary to the original planning consent.

“Approval of this proposal will set a precedent allowing others on the same estate to similarly erect high fences adjacent to their front boarders thus resulting in the estate becoming a set of narrow, dark alleys.”

Jayne Pack, of Tadburn Road, said: “I confirm to Test Valley planning department that I do not have any objections regarding the said mentioned fencing.”

To view more details about the application online, search 23/03116/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.