Replacement timber fence at St Margarets Church, Lowestoft

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing the existing 1.2m timber boundary fence with a new fence of the same height and similar design.

“1.Summary 1.1.This application seeks planning permission for the replacement of an existing timber boundary fence at St Margaret's Church, Lowestoft. The proposed fence will match the existing in height and general appearance. Following clarification from the applicant confirming the fence height as 1.2m, the Design and Heritage Officer has withdrawn their initial objection.”

“3.Proposal 3.1.The application proposes the replacement of the existing 1.2m high timber fence with a new fence of identical height and similar design. The replacement is intended to improve the condition and appearance of the boundary without altering its scale, materials, or location.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the clarified fence would preserve the listed building’s setting and avoid harm to amenity, highways and the street scene.

“The proposal, as clarified, is considered to preserve the setting of the listed building in accordance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the NPPF (paragraphs 212 and 215). The proposal also complies with Policy WLP8.37 of the Waveney Local Plan, which seek to protect the significance and setting of heritage assets.”

“Amenity, Highways, and Street Scene 8.5.The replacement fence will not result in any adverse impacts on residential amenity, highway safety, or the character of the street scene. The scale and appearance are consistent with the existing boundary treatment and do not introduce any new elements that would affect public views or access. No objections have been received from consultees in relation to these matters.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Town Council supported the application, Historic England raised heritage concerns, the Design and Heritage Officer had no objection, and the archaeological unit raised no objection.

“Historic England25 July 202514 August 2025 Summary of comments: Concerns raised regarding the application on heritage grounds, particularly the use of a modern, suburban style fence which would not enhance and could result in harm to the significance of the listed building in terms of the NPPF, paragraphs 213 and 215.”

Officer report

What was presented

The Planning Manager explained that a taller fence was originally proposed and showed photographs and examples of the replacement fence.

Committee discussion

Councillor Ashton asked whether the fence could be removed or replaced by a low wall, while recognising possible antisocial behaviour issues.

“Historic England had emphasised concerns about potential harm and had suggested alternatives but it wasn’t an objection so officers were happy to recommend approval with conditions. Councillor Ashton wondered if there could be a low wall and no fence, but did acknowledge there could be ASB issues. The Planning Manager said it was a replacement but he tended to agree.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors Ashdown and Beavan proposed and seconded approval, which was agreed unanimously.

“On the proposal of Councillor Ashdown, seconded by Councillor Beavan it was unanimously…”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to conditions covering the time limit, approved plans, and the fence’s location, height and design.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to standard conditions. Conditions: 1)Time Limit 2)Approved Plans 3)Precise location, height and design of fence The meeting concluded at 17:21 .................................................. Chair…”

Minutes