Bermuda triangle
You may recall a small note in the last newsletter, in which I questioned the practice of keeping the triangular green locked despite it being a public space. Well, I was astonished about the instant reaction to my article. The majority of replies I got were strongly in favour of keeping the Triangle locked. As a matter of fact, no written statement in favour of an opening was submitted, but some individuals, mostly with children, told me in person that they would like to see it open.
There seems to be a great deal of fear behind the thought of an open Triangle. I was told that my suggestion was irresponsible and would likely lead to chaos, as "hordes of marauding undesirables" would descend on the Triangle.
Firstly I would like to put those in favour of keeping it fenced at ease. At no point was I seriously contemplating setting wheels in motion to get the Triangle opened. I was just testing the waters as to the general sentiment.
The outcome could not be clearer and it has been very enlightening for me.It has, however, not changed my personal opinion about the issue.
The whole thing was marred only by the arrival of one anonymous letter, strongly opposing my views. I think it is rather sad that someone finds it necessary to keep their identity secret when replying to me. I can assure you, I am quite harmless!
Michael Schlingmann
Another brick in the wall
It has recently come to the attention of the Association that full planning permission must be applied for if you plan to erect a boundary fence that is more than one metre high adjacent to the highway. This not only applies to brick walls or wooden fences, but also railings.
If you have inadvertently breached planning regulations, watch out - there is an enforcement officer about...
Leylandii rule - definitely not OK!
As from June 2005, new legislation regarding hedges came into force. Under Part B of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, 2003, when a high hedge is causing problems for neighbours, and the owners have shown reluctance to cut it back, the Council can issue a remedial notice. A high hedge is defined as 'a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs exceeding two metres in height, acting as a barrier to light or access, and where the height adversely affects the complainant's reasonable enjoyment of their property'.
There is a fee payable by the complainant. If the Council considers there is a problem and the owner fails to take remedial action, a fine of £1000 could be payable, and they do have the power to have the work done and recover costs from the owner. Both parties do have the right of appeal.
However, it must be stressed that the Council should only be involved as a last resort, when all attempts to resolve the hedge dispute with your neighbour have been tried and exhausted.
Two leaflets about the new legislation, Complaining to the Council and Over the Garden Hedge are available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Tel: 0870 1226 236, or can be downloaded from www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1127822