Green verge garden and fence at 20 St Michaels Court, Slough

What was proposed

The application sought to change a green verge into residential garden, erect a 1.8-metre timber fence and landscape the verge.

“Part retrospective part proposed change of use from green verge to residential garden and erection of 1.8m high timber fence set 1m back from the back edge of the footpath and landscaping the verge area.”

“Recommendation: GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier application for the garden and fence was refused, while several similar applications elsewhere were also refused.

“P/09288/001 Proposed change of use of and erection of 1.8m high timber fence green verge to garden. Refused; Informatives 05/06/2025”

“It should also be noted that other properties at Ramsey Court and St Michaels Court have also submitted similar retrospective applications at the same time that were refused for the following reason:”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions because the revised set-back and planting would make the fence acceptable in visual and design terms.

“The application has been revised from the previous submission, which sought to retain the unauthorised works with the close boarded fence sited at the back edge of the footpath, and now shows a 1m set back from the public highway and additional landscaping planting to replace that lost.”

“The 1m set back has been requested as the pre-existing grass verge to the rear of properties across Ramsey Court and St Michael’s Court vary in length, with those at the east end of St Michael’s Court at the widest (approximately 6m) and those at the west end of Ramsey Court being at the most narrow (approximately 2m).”

Officer report

What people said

Five objections and one letter of support were received, covering the fence position, visual amenity, planting, privacy, gates and biodiversity.

“Officers consider that including the set back of the fence 1m from the boundary and the additional hedge planting, this would not result in a detrimental impact to visual amenity from the streetscene. Landscaping/ Biodiversity The mature tree must be reinstanted within the new verge area…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee.

The committee decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions.

“Application Part retrospective part proposed change of use from green verge to residential garden and erection of 1.8m high timber fence set 1m back from the back edge of the footpath and landscaping the verge area Decision GRANT planning permission, subject to conditions.”

Minutes