Homeowner battles council over hazel fence around historic manor in Somerset

A homeowner in Somerset has spent £4,000 on a 6ft hazel fence around his Grade II listed manor house to block the view of a neighboring 1980s home. The local council ordered him to remove the fence, citing it as "unneighbourly." The owner, Marten Street, claims his neighbors initially agreed to the fence but later complained to authorities. He is appealing the council's decision, stating he plans to plant trees to eventually obscure the view without the fence. Street alleges that he faces hostility from neighbors, including homophobic abuse, since purchasing the manor in 2021. The council's ruling reflects concerns from neighbors about the fence's impact on their property enjoyment.