Man spends £4,000 on fence to block ugly neighbor's house

In Somerset, England, interior designer Marten Street is embroiled in a conflict with his neighbors over a hazel fence he installed. The fence, costing £4,000, was built to obstruct the view of the neighboring property known as Dancing Gate, which Street describes as ugly and depressing. This installation followed an incident where Street's neighbors cut down conifer trees that had previously shielded his view. Although the neighbors initially agreed to the fence, they later lodged a complaint with the local council, aiming to have it removed. Mr. Street is currently appealing this decision while expressing feelings of targeted aggression and homophobia from some local residents. The tension has escalated to the extent that Street has faced verbal abuse and threats from fellow villagers, highlighting deeper social issues within the community. Street's appeal appears optimistic based on communications from the planning office, indicating potential approval for keeping the fence. Mr. Street envisions planting additional greenery to further obscure views of his neighbor's property, anticipating that he might later remove the fence once the plants mature. This incident not only illustrates a personal dispute but also raises questions about community dynamics and the challenges faced by individuals who may feel marginalized for various reasons. Street’s passion for restoring the historic Chapel Cleeve Manor, which he purchased for £1.3 million in 2021, adds another layer to the complexity of this case, as he sees himself as the guardian of this historic site.