A dispute has arisen among residents of a Nottinghamshire estate over a newly constructed wall that some homeowners claim detracts from the appeal of their neighbourhood. The installation of the wall at a property on Mornington Crescent in Nuthall was part of extension works completed earlier this year, and it has drawn significant discontent from several locals who have voiced their concerns about its impact on the area.
The wall, which stands at six feet high, has been described by some residents as a "monstrosity", prompting them to question the decision made by Broxtowe Borough Council to grant planning permission for its construction. Many residents argue that the wall is both too tall and too close to the public footpath compared to what was originally proposed, alleging that it has adversely affected the aesthetics of their suburban neighbourhood.
Anthony Wilson, a 58-year-old veteran and one of the leading critics of the wall, expressed his frustration, stating, “What has happened is an absolute travesty. Mornington Crescent is a suburban middle-class neighbourhood. It should never have been approved.” He further asserted that fifteen local residents opposed the wall, yet none were contacted directly during the planning process. Wilson claimed, “What they have approved has absolutely devastated the entrance to the estate and it’s destroyed the presentation of the neighbourhood,” adding that the wall resembles "some sort of prison."
Another neighbour, 69-year-old Tony Pinkstone, echoed concerns about the wall's effect on the neighbourhood, stating, “It’s completely destroyed the street scene. This estate was always attractive with open front gardens. I think it’s appalling and that’s the general view on the estate. All it’s doing is devaluing the properties because it’s making a harsher environment.”
In defence of the wall, homeowner Jonathan Lewis described the criticism as “a nonsense,” asserting that he and his family had complied fully with local regulations. Speaking to a publication, he remarked, “Nobody has come to me and said anything. They can come here. We have followed the rules to the absolute letter. The council said we could build it and we built it.” He also suggested that the wall fits within the character of the area, noting, “If you go down the estate you’ll see many, many properties with the same.”
The planning authority, Broxtowe Borough Council, has stated that the wall was constructed in accordance with the approved plans, which had taken into consideration all relevant comments from the public. A spokesperson for the council explained, “The wall in question has planning permission, and the heights of both the wall and the pillars are in accordance with the approved plans.” It was noted that any legal issues or covenants related to the property would not influence planning matters. Additionally, the council mentioned that the position of the wall had been slightly altered and approved as a non-material amendment to the original plans.
As tensions continue to mount within the community, the division between residents over this boundary wall highlights the complexities often embedded in neighbourhood planning and development disputes.
Source: Noah Wire Services