A TAVISTOCK woman who claimed her privacy was invaded by children climbing trees outside her garden has been given planning permission to extend her boundary.

West Devon Borough Council's planning committee ignored officers' recommendations to refuse the application at last week's meeting in Okehampton — the town council had also objected to the proposal.

Linda Gerrard, who lives on the corner of Sycamore Avenue at Bishopsmead, told councillors adjacent laurel bushes provided a 'lovely' screen when she originally bought her house.

'However, when the weather improved I realised the area was a child-magnet,' she said.

Ms Gerrard said children climbed the trees, built dens and began breaking branches.

She said: 'I got to the stage when I used to draw the blinds and sit indoors, rather than go into the garden.'

Ms Gerrard, a student, said the situation became even worse after she reported the matter to police.

She said she was 'desperate' and saw the application to enclose the land as her only option, even though it would take all her savings.

She has already been given permission to purchase the land by the borough's development committee — she wishes to enclose 140 sq metres of ground, fell two trees and erect fencing.

Cllr Dick Eberlie supported Ms Gerrard's application and criticised the borough for failing to maintain the area properly.

He said the council's lack of care was 'thoroughly regrettable' and added the trees were a 'serious nuisance'.

'We all know how fast laurel grows,' he said, pointing out Ms Gerrard had not only lost privacy but light from her kitchen.

But Cllr Betty Batchelor, a neighbour and town councillor, said the area was an important play space for young children, though she agreed the trees had not been maintained.

'We are concerned that when this area was planned in the very beginning it was felt necessary to keep Bishopsmead with a lot of open space, and we would like to see it kept that way,' she said.

Cllr Batchelor was also worried consent would create a precedent on Bishopsmead.

Ms Gerrard was granted planning permission provided no buildings or structures were erected and details of fencing were acceptable.

Planting must also take place along the new boundary.