The boundary wall was erected during extension works at a home earlier this year and has attracted the ire of several locals
A dispute has erupted over a newly-constructed wall on a ‘middle-class’ Nottinghamshire estate, with one local resident slamming it as making the area look “like some sort of prison”. The boundary wall, which went up during extension works at a property on Mornington Crescent, Nuthall, has drawn criticism from several neighbours.
Disgruntled residents have slammed the 6ft structure as a “monstrosity” and argue that Broxtowe Borough Council should never have granted it planning permission. However, the council has defended its decision, saying that the wall was erected in line with the approved application, taking into account “considered all relevant comments”.
Jonathan Lewis, the homeowner caught up in the controversy, dismissed the complaints as “a nonsense” and challenged his neighbours to discuss any issues directly with him. “All of this is just a complete and utter overreaction,” he insisted.
“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.”, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Mr Lewis further commented: “In my opinion it looks really nice and it’s completely lawful.
“You only have to look across the road and they have a six foot wall. This is not something completely outrageous or out of keeping. If you go down the estate you’ll see many, many properties with the same.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Wilson, who lives next door, is leading the charge against the wall, claiming it has been constructed both higher and nearer to the public footpath than initially planned.
“What has happened is an absolute travesty. Mornington Crescent is a suburban middle-class neighbourhood,” the 58 year old veteran remarked.
“It should never have been approved. Fifteen people objected to the wall but not a single one was contacted.
“What they have approved has absolutely devastated the entrance to the estate and it’s destroyed the presentation of the neighbourhood.”
Mr Wilson went on to say: “With the monstrosity of the wall it looks like some sort of prison. It should be demolished. It’s totally obliterated the view from my house.”
Echoing Mr Wilson’s sentiments, Tony Pinkstone, aged 69, said: “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.”
A representative for Broxtowe Borough 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. The planning application considered all relevant comments, and the case officer came to an assessment that the wall should be approved.
“It should be noted however that any legal issues or covenants are not planning matters and cannot be considered in determining this or any other planning application. The position of the wall has recently been amended marginally, and set away slightly from the neighbouring property, and this change has subsequently been approved as a non-material amendment to the approved plans.”