A COUPLE whose neighbours want to rip down their two-metre privacy fence say it protects them from intrusive CCTV.
Disgruntled residents say Michael and Emma Jackson's structure is badly designed and is out of character with the neighbourhood in Barnoldswick, Lancashire.
But the couple said it lets them get the most from the outside space and gives them privacy from one neighbour's CCTV cameras.
Now, the couple are being allowed to keep the unauthorised fence outside their home despite a raft of complaints from neighbours.
Mr and Mr Jackson applied for retrospective planning approval, which was granted yesterday by Pendle Borough Council.
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The pair had been refused permission last year but appealed, arguing neighbouring houses and streets in the area have many different front boundaries.
Mrs Jackson also said Pendle Borough Council would "have to take a similar stance" against hundreds of homeowners if it took enforcement action against them.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Jackson said: "We would like to address the points raised by planning officers in the report.
"They referred to sustainable development, design and the character of Cavendish Street.
"There is no definitive street scene. There is a mix of frontages. The Pendle Local Plan does not appear to be consistently applied across Barnoldswick, West Craven or Pendle.
"There is a mix of properties and fronts in the surrounding streets of Barnoldswick such as Colne Road, Denton Street, Park Avenue and Skipton Road, just to name a few."
He continued: "Additionally, there are some other reasons for having the fence. There are CCTV cameras on a neighbouring property which capture the entire front of our house.
"These have not been changed despite requests. The fence gives our family some privacy when arriving or leaving, or sitting outside.
"The benefits of being outside are important and were highlighted during the Covid lockdowns. We can sit outside in the summer. This space is important and we do not have much space at the back. We also take great care and look after our property. It is not out-of-character with the area."
Lib-Dem Councillor David Whipp, the committee chairman and deputy leader of the authority, said: "This matter came out of an enforcement issued a few months ago. I went to the street to have a look and initially went straight past the fence.
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"It was not 'in your face'. I had gone past it because it did not seem objectionable. My view is that it should be allowed."
Lib-Dem Councillor Mick Strickland said: "I'm sympathetic for a couple of reasons. I have something similar where I live and I've compared it. It is restrictive and there is not much space at the back. I also totally understand families trying to get outside during Covid.
"This matter has been on our meeting agendas for quite a while. It has been kicked back-and-forth. If we have driven around there [Cavendish Street} and it doesn't jump, it's not that bad.
"This does not jump out [visually] and it has been proved to be a benefit."
Meanwhile, Pendle planning head Neil Watson said he disagreed with some of the comments made.
Planning officers recommended the fence be refused but the decision was for councillors.
In a vote, councillors supported the Jacksons' application and said they can keep their fence.
Previously, the first application heard objections from neighbours in the market town, reports LancashireLive.
These stated concerns over harm to the area's character, and impact on neighbours and claimed the fence's design was poor.
Officers said Victorian terraces typically had low front walls and sometimes extra metal railings or a hedge.
They also said a modern house opposite Mr and Mrs Jackson's had a wooden fence but only along the side and back - not the front.
