Legal action threat on fence

Gosford Council has asked a resident of Como Parade, Pretty Beach, why legal action should not be taken against him following the construction of a fence without prior consent.

Cr Terri Latella had asked rangers to attend the property to investigate the legitimacy of a fence along the road which she claimed "inhibited the natural wildlife corridor".

The council's Director of Environment and Planning Ms Colleen Worthy-Jennings said that a building surveyor found a new, open style 1.8 metre high timber fence on the property at Como Parade.

Ms Worthy-Jennings said that the fence was erected from the front north-western boundary along the western side boundary adjoining High View Rd for a distance of 100 metres.

She said that council's records indicated no application was lodged and therefore no development consent has been granted for such works.

She said that the fence, as constructed, would normally be approved as it had been erected on the secondary road boundary.

Council's environment officer said the fence "did not inhibit the natural wildlife corridor".

He stated that it was not intended that the owner would be required to remove the fence.

However he had been given the opportunity to explain to why legal action should not be taken by council for erection of the structure without prior consent.

Council agenda, Q.95, 30 Oct 2007