The vast boundary has been compared to the Berlin Wall by neighbours (Image: BNPS)
A homeowner has enraged residents of an affluent neighbourhood after replacing a boundary fence with a vast concrete structure that “looks like the Berlin Wall”.
Ken Lynch has had the 75ft-long grey wall constructed along the side of his detached home on Sandbanks Road in the sought-after Lilliput area of Poole, Dorset. The area, alongside its neighbour Sandbanks, are among the most expensive and exclusive seaside areas in the whole country, with average house prices starting at £700,000.
The imposing structure stands over 7ft tall and has been branded an eyesore by locals, with some likening it to something straight out of the Soviet Union era.
Before its transformation, the home was a charming bungalow with an attractive front garden and modest brick wall that allowed passers-by to enjoy its vibrant herbaceous borders.
The previous owner secured planning permission to convert the bungalow into a two-storey house with a sizeable rear extension. The property is now valued at £1m.
The house before (Image: BNPS)
A temporary wooden slatted fence was erected along the boundary before being replaced by the permanent grey structure.
However, owing to its sheer size, the wall requires planning permission, which new owner Mr Lynch has been forced to apply for retrospectively.
Neighbours have submitted letters of objection to BCP Council urging them to reject the application — a decision that could compel Mr Lynch to tear it down.
Local resident Annabel Hobson, 67, a retired accounts clerk, said she was horrified when she first set eyes on the wall, arguing it is far too overbearing and gives the impression the owners are fortifying themselves inside.
She said: “I walk my dog past the wall every day and it looks like the Berlin Wall. There used to be a wooden slatted fence, which was nice on the eye, but they have replaced it with an eyesore .
“When you walk past the wall it feels like it is leaning on you and the path has narrowed. It looks like they are trying to barricade themselves in and it is not in keeping with the area.
“I feel sorry for the people opposite who come out of their house and that is the first thing they see. It says in our deeds of covenant that walls must have the look of the area.
“I assumed they had planning permission so when I learnt they were applying retrospectively I was shocked. I do hope planners will ask for it to be taken down and permission is not granted, as in the future, other property owners will feel they too can erect walls to barricade themselves in.”
A further neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, described the wall as ‘horrible’ to look at and a significant step down from the previous wooden fence.
Richard Spragg stated that the height of the wall renders it “visually intrusive and overly dominant in the street and creates an enclosed and oppressive appearance”.
Mr Lynch has been approached for comment.