The fence has attracted opposition from Kensington and Chelsea planning officials (Picture: Nick Edwards for http://www.dailymail.co.uk)
A London businessman has sparked a row with his local council by erecting a farm-style electric fence in the front yard of his £44.5 million mansion.
David Walsh, who moved into the four-storey Notting Hill townhouse with his wife in 2023, added the feature to the property this year.
It was met with opposition from the Ladbroke Association, a conservation society that aims to ‘encourage high standards of architectural and town planning’ in the wealthy neighbourhood.
The association argued the fence poses a danger to ‘groups of people’ in the area, the Daily Mail reported.
It referenced planning rules saying authorities have to ensure hazards aren’t created ‘in locations were large numbers of people are expected to congregate’, thought to be a reference to Notting Hill Carnival.
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The annual event, which brings millions of people into the area, sees many residents in the affected area put up makeshift barriers to prevent anti-social behaviour such as littering or people urinating in their yards.
Mr Walsh argues the fencing is necessary to keep out foxes (Picture: LinkedIn/David Walsh)
The fence only runs along a boundary wall with Mr Walsh’s next-door neighbours, who supported its addition.
But Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea officials ruled the feature does need planning permisssion.
The authority said: ‘The proposed electric fencing by reason of its design, height and prominent siting would read as an unwelcome addition, resulting in the fortification of the site and failing to preserve the character and appearance of the building, streetscene and wider conservation area.’
Mr Walsh, founder of insurance specialists CFC, was forced to submit a planning application retrospectively and may have to tweak the feature.
He argues the fence is ‘intended for fox prevention purposes’.
The fence’s presence is supported by the neighbouring resident (Picture: Nick Edwards for http://www.dailymail.co.uk)
When questioned about the issue by a Daily Mail reporter, said: ‘It’s none of your business. I’ve got a wife who is very, very scared of foxes – you got a problem with that?
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‘The council has got very confused, they’ve looked at the wrong photos. We actually have a much better plan that is much more discreet, but they looked at the wrong photos.’
Other neigbours have expressed concerns around the fence, with one saying it is reminiscent of a ‘POW camp’ and doubting it will successfully keep out foxes.
A warning sign along the fence advertises it as suitable for use in managing pigs, horses, sheep, cows and deer.
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