A CHAIN link fence, erected in Torlands, Tavistock, has been labelled an 'eyesore' by a local resident.
The 1.2-metre high fence was erected last August by West Devon Homes, whose tenant panel approved it to act as a boundary between a garden and footpath.
But one resident who lives on the other side of the footpath has said he wished the panel had contacted neighbouring residents for their opinion before this 'eyesore' was erected.
Ian Yelland, who lives at Pew Tor Close, said: 'Without prior warning five months ago a concrete post with a wire mesh fence, much higher than our permitted residential fencing, was erected on a property boundary five metres from my front door — a type of fence more suited to security compounds than in a conspicuous position on a residential estate.
'My immediate complaint by letter was acknowledged, backed up by a visit from the installation department manager whose sympathetic intimation led me to believe they would carry out alterations, better still replacement, to match our permitted one-metre high wooden established fencing.
'But to date nothing has been done. I have to look at this fence every day. It is very out of place and it has gone as far as me keeping my curtains closed as it is such an eyesore.'
West Devon Borough councillor for Tavistock south ward Ted Sherrell said: 'It is unsightly. I think it is time that some action was taken to remedy this as it is upsetting the residents. If they have to have a fence then they should replace it with something suitable and liaise with other residents before they do so.'
In response to Mr Yelland's complaint, Jean Peters, chief executive officer, West Devon Homes, said the boundary fence complied with the requirements of its boundary policy.
She said: 'I am not aware that there is a requirement for a planning application or neighbour consultation in such cases. Incidentally, our boundary policy was considered and approved by our tenant panel before it was implemented.'
West Devon Homes Tenant Panel comprises membership from the chairs and vice-chairs of its tenant and residents' associations, of which there are 13 across West Devon. Several people who are community representatives also sit on this panel.
She said: 'It is a formally constituted group which meets regularly and West Devon Homes submits all draft policies to them where these may have an impact on our tenants or their lives and communities.
'We would not usually consult with neighbouring tenants or owner occupiers where planning permission was not required, unless this directly affected them, for example, if they were the immediate neighbour or if there was some doubt as to the actual location and ownership of the boundary.'