WORK at a Grimsby allotments has ground to a halt after a council planning blunder.
Workmen were ordered to stop building a fence and replacing the roof of the Salting Allotments Committee' hut after council officers discovered planning permission had not yet been granted – despite the application being made by North East Lincolnshire Council itself.
Sub-contractors working for council partner Balfour Beatty have been carrying out the work – which also includes tarmacking the allotment roads – at the Littlefield Lane site since December.
But following a tip-off from residents – who do not want the 8ft high fence – conservation officers ordered work to stop because planning permission had not been granted.
It has amused residents of Salsbury Avenue , who say the fence, which backs onto their gardens, is unnecessary and a "complete waste of money".
Pensioner Barbara Brewster, has lived in the avenue for 60 years. She said: "I don't know who is responsible for the mistake, but it doesn't surprise me.
"I do not understand why we need a fence there, we have never needed it before. They say it is for extra security, but the only thing that has ever happened here is a group of ten-year-olds who were caught stealing apples years ago.
"It is a waste of money and unnecessary."
The work is going on around what is known locally as the black house – a council-owned listed building.
It means development of the site is subject to strict conservation laws.
The resurfacing of the roads does not require permission, but the replacement of the hut roof, which has already been delivered, and the fence do.
The fence will be made of green metal and out up 20in away from the gardens of Salsbury Avenue.
Residents claim the main gates into the allotments are kept open – despite the fact they should be closed from 6pm – and do not see the point in the fence.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We do not want the fence – most of us in the avenue don't. It is very high and we don't think it is necessary. The main gates are open all the time anyway, so what will the railings achieve?
"I can't believe they didn't have planning permission, but then after the 'Tardis' on Cleethorpes seafront (the combined pay phone and cash point that appeared overnight on the North Prom this week), can we expect anything else?
"It will be costing thousands of pounds. The money could be spent on something far better for the allotments rather than a pointless fence."
Residents have until Monday, February 11, to register their views.
Jason Longhurst, head of development at NELC, said: "We are considering the planning application over works to improve the site.
"Some of this work requires planning permission, and this has been applied for.
"Local households have been told about the planning application and any views which they have about the proposals will be fully considered before a decision on the planning application is taken."
