Fence plan to improve Doncaster residents' privacy

The proposal, submitted by St Leger Homes, says that if the fence scheme was approved for Craven Close, Cantley, it would create a ‘defensible space’ for the residents.

A St Leger Homes spokesman defined the space as ‘an area that, once closed in via fencing, will give the tenant a sense of ownership and increased security’.

Bessacarr ward councillor Nick Allen said: “I think one of the best ways to tackle anti-social behaviour is to punish perpretrators. Fencing victims off might be preventative, but it doesn’t tackle the root cause of the problem.

“I think all residents will need to see a benefit from the fencing arrangement before the application is approved.”

Councillors Neil Gethin and Majid Khan, also of the Besscarr ward, said they fully supported the plan.

The application is the latest in a string of requests for a fence to be put up around bungalows.

Three other similar proposals have been submitted to the council since April.

Last month, the planning committee approved the construction of a 1.2 metre high fence around bungalows on Herrick Gardens, Longfellow Road and Sheridan Avenue in Balby, after reports from residents of antisocial behaviour.

Tenants of Filby Road, Ramsworth Close and Ormesby Crescent, Cusworth and also Stapleton Road, Warmsworth, are still awaiting a decision on plans to put up the same type of fence around their homes.

Susan Jordan, chief executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “The fencing at Craven Close, Cantley, has been proposed following a request from tenants.

“The fencing would be designed to give tenants more privacy and prevent people who do not live in this area from using the open-plan grass area next to the properties as a shortcut.”

Council officers will prepare a report before a decision is made by the committee.