Romsey Town Council object to plans for fence replacement

Romsey Town Council has filed an objection after Mark Perress, of Oxlease Meadows, applied for permission to replace one-metre powered wooden driveway gates with two-metre powered wooden driveway gates.

The application also asks for permission for Mr Perress to replace the one-metre high post and rail fence located on the boundary of his property with a two-metre high brick wall.

Oxlease Meadows (Image: Google Maps)

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Romsey Town Council Planning Committee discussed the application on Thursday, September 12, with committee members voting to object to the application. The decision will be taken by Test Valley Borough Council.

Jerry Vaughn, a neighbour of Mr Perress, addressed the committee, saying that he has concerns over how it will affect his property. He also warned that allowing the application would open the floodgates to more changes in the development.

He said: “I have come here to ask for some support in objecting to (the application). The Oxlease Meadows development is a great place to live. We found our home by accident, but we could not be happier with the choice. But the last few months have brought stress to our family.

“Our view is that there is no need for this (application). There is a beauty to the way that the estate was designed and the way it is now. This application will destroy that. It will allow anyone to do anything they want to.”

Cllr Janet Burnage said that she had visited the estate to have a look around, explaining that she had seen other properties that also had brick boundary walls.

Cllr Russell Theron said: “It changes the look of the estate, and I don’t think we should be allowing it. I will be objecting to it.”

Cllr Colin Burgess said that he had also visited the estate to have a look around and see what impact the planning application might have if approved.

He said: “I really liked the estate. But I think if we approve the application it will set a precedent. I acknowledge there are brick walls elsewhere, but I feel it changes things in a big way.”

The committee voted unanimously to object to the application, citing that allowing it to proceed would change the look of the estate, that the application would set a precedent, and that the wall would not be in keeping with the aesthetics of the estate.

More information on the application can be found by visiting the Test Valley Borough Council website and searching using reference 24/01933/FULLS.

TVBC will now make a decision on the application.