Homeowner who put up security gates after series of burglaries ordered to tear them down because they are 6in too tall

Published 24th Mar 2011

When businessman Robin Arnold installed security gates to protect his home, he never expected to end up hauled before a court.

But the father-of-eight is facing prosecution because his local council has ruled the top of the gates should be a different colour and the height must be reduced by six inches.

Mr Arnold, 63, installed the gates in 2008 after a series of break-ins at his home in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

But he didn't apply for planning permission for the gates and a retrospective application, and subsequent appeal, were refused.

The 5ft 6in gates are black with golden arrowheads, but Stockport council says they should be slightly smaller and the arrowheads black.

Mr Arnold, managing director of a restoration company, has refused to make the alterations, saying his gates are no different to others in the area.

And when he ignored an enforcement notice sent in December the council began a prosecution against him.

Mr Arnold said: 'I will be among thieves and burglars. It's absolutely ridiculous it has come to that, but there are times you have to stand up and be counted and show up foolish attitudes for what they are.

'The council is gambling on a successful prosecution with taxpayers' money when people are losing their jobs. All I'm trying to do is protect my home and family.

'There are numerous designs and colours of gate in the area and some are bigger than mine. If I lower the height it will be easier for thieves to jump over them.'

Mr Arnold, who lives with his wife Julie, will appear before Stockport magistrates on a date yet to be fixed.

He lives in the Davenport conservation area where planning laws are tighter to protect the neighbourhood's character.

A council spokesman said it had agreed to let the gates remain if the alterations were made. He said a similar arrangement had been made with other residents, who agreed to changes and were allowed to keep their gates.

He added: 'We aim to resolve breaches of planning control through negotiation. This matter has been on-going since August 2008.

'The council has been extremely flexible, but in the interests of fairness to other residents who have followed the correct procedures, we have no option but to take action against a continued breach of planning control.'

Source: ' Daily Mail '

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