Rural escape of Lewis Capaldi encounters an issue as neighbor opposes imposing 3.5m barrier, deeming it oppressive.
In a twist to the usual headlines about music and fame, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi finds himself embroiled in a planning controversy over a boundary fence at his countryside estate. The estate, located at Castlehill Farm near Eaglesham, is intended to be a serene escape from the spotlight, but the fence has raised issues about its unauthorised construction, excessive height, and proximity to a neighbouring property.
The fence, allegedly over 3.5 metres high, far surpasses the permitted developments for fences in Scotland, which allow 2 metre high fences. This has led to a formal complaint from neighbour, Mr Adam Dunwoodie, who describes the fence as "oppressive" and "resembling a building site hoarding."
The fence, erected 18 months ago without planning approval, is part of a larger home renovation project for which Capaldi has applied for permission for two single-storey extensions, a sun room variation, and a 1.8m high boundary fence. However, the planning officers have not yet issued a decision on the contested elements of Capaldi's home renovation.
Mr Dunwoodie argues that the fence is not "in keeping with the local environment." Hedging has been suggested as a solution to address the visual impact of the fence, but Mr Dunwoodie warns that it may not be effective. The case highlights the tension between fame and village life, where even global music stars are subject to local planning rules.
The planning regulations for fence height in Scotland generally allow fences fronting a highway to be limited to a height of 1 meter, while those elsewhere are usually allowed up to 2 meters. However, if the fence is part of a larger development or if it affects the appearance of a listed building, permission might be needed. Local councils may have specific bylaws or planning policies that can affect fence installations, especially if they impact visual amenity or are part of a sensitive area.
The planning permission dispute highlights the balance between celebrity privacy and local community concerns in East Renfrewshire. As the story of Capaldi's home renovation unfolds, it seems that negotiation may be as much a part of the process as restoration.
[1] Planning Portal. (n.d.). Fences and walls. Retrieved from https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/21/fences_and_walls [2] Scottish Government. (2020). Planning and building standards. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/policies/planning-and-building-standards/ [3] Scottish Government. (2020). Technical handbook 16: town and country planning. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/technical-handbook-16-town-and-country-planning/ [4] Scottish Government. (2020). Planning and building standards. Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/policies/planning-and-building-standards/
- Lewis Capaldi's estate in Castlehill Farm, near Eaglesham, is facing a planning controversy over a 3.5-meter-tall fence, an extension of his home renovation project involving two single-storey extensions, a sun room variation, and a 1.8-meter-high boundary fence.
- The high fence, erected without initial planning approval, has been subject to complaints about unauthorized construction, excessive height, and proximity to a neighbouring property, with Mr Adam Dunwoodie describing it as "oppressive" and "resembling a building site hoarding."
- Under normal circumstances, fences in Scotland are allowed to reach 2 meters in height, but in this case, the planning officers are yet to issue a decision on the height and placement of Capaldi's fence as part of its home renovation.
- The planning dispute between Capaldi and Mr Dunwoodie underscores the tension between celebrity privacy and local community concerns in East Renfrewshire, delving into the intricacies of local planning rules, including the permissible height limitations, bylaw variations, and visual impact on the local environment and amenity.
- A guide for fences and walls can be found on the Planning Portal's website, alongside information on the Scottish Government's planning and building standards, technical handbooks, and specific planning policies.
- As the unfolding story of Capaldi's home-and-garden renovation evolves, his project becomes an example of how celebrity lifestyles might blend with the concerns of entertainment, local communities, and the need for planning-approved home extensions and appropriate fence design.
