Council row erupts as homeowner fined £2k after being taken to court by local authority over height of fence

However, they claimed that the one-metre fence obstructed drivers’ view of the road. They also deemed he did not have planning permission for the structure.

Hardy was told to remove the fence on November 14, 2023, and given 60 days to respond.

However, his failure to reply led him to be taken to court.

Speaking at Teesside Magistrates court, the father-of-two said: “I don’t know why it [the case] has got this far.

“There are three fences in the road exactly the same as mine.”

“I don’t think I have done anything wrong to be truthful with you, that is my honest opinion.”

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Hardy furthermore denied ignoring the notice and claimed he had tried to schedule an appointment with the council.

The Middlesborough man also said he even hired a private contractor to downsize the fence.

However, the prosecution argued that this was untrue, pointing to a wheelie bin pictured next to the supposedly reduced fence.

Philip was found guilty and fined £180 plus the council's court costs of £1,972.

Due to being unemployed and on disability benefits, he will be allowed to pay the fine in £20 monthly instalments.

This comes after Farhan Khan, another homeowner, was given a £622 fine and a criminal record over a similar mistake.

Khan, from Southampton, had not applied for planning permission for his one-metre fence.

He applied for retrospective permission but was turned down by the local council, and refused to tear it down.