Dilemma over Elgin fence – does it deter or encourage crime?
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An Elgin family have been allowed to keep a 6ft fence which was put up with the intention of deterring anti-social behaviour.
Councillors have approved a retrospective planning application for the fence on Springfield Road – against the recommendations of the local authority's planning officers.
Officers felt that the height of the fence would reduce visibility to open ground at the back of the property, and this would actually increase the possibility of crime rather than reduce it.
They also felt the fence was not in keeping with the character of the area.
However, in his application the home owner said there had been incidents where litter was thrown into the family's garden.
In addition, he stated their dog could not be left outside because children would toss food at it.
On top of that were problems with pub goers relieving themselves.
Moray Council's local review body considered the matter yesterday.
Councillor Sandy Keith (Elgin North, Labour) said it was "regrettable" that the application had come after the fence was built.
However, he put forward a motion to approve it.
That was seconded by cllr Derek Ross (Speyside/Glenlivet, Independent), who said: "It’s very, very subjective. I think it’s possibly reducing crime rather than increasing it.
"Otherwise, I would have thought we'd have had a police report saying the fence didn’t comply with surveillance in order to reduce crime."
Draeyk van der Horn (Forres, Greens) felt it was a departure from policy.
He said: "Looking around that area, it is a significantly higher fence than other properties, be that hedges, walls or other forms of fencing.
"I appreciate the obvious concerns that the applicant has, but by creating this higher fence it does mean that there’s fewer eyes on the street.
"In the apparent gain to have private safety, it has an implication on the general neighbourhood."
Cllr van der Horn put forward a proposal to reject the application, which was seconded by cllr Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP).
But members voted by five to three in favour of it.
There was one abstention.
