By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 12:13, Thursday, 01 November 2012

The Mormons’ plans to put up a 6ft steel security fence around their church in Carlisle have been turned down for the second time.

Application: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Carlisle

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints applied for planning permission in March to erect a spiked fence, gates and five lampposts at its church in Langrigg Road.

The proposal brought an outcry from neighbours who said the fence was more suited to an industrial estate.

The Mormons said they wanted the fence because of “a number of acts of vandalism” such as damage to locks and windows.

Their application was initially turned down because of concerns that the scale, design and positioning of the fence would be intrusive and have a “detrimental effect on the character of the streetscene”.

The Mormons appealed that decision, saying the fencing was chosen for its unobtrusive nature and decorative design, to provide fencing that was “durable with a classical feel.”

The appeal has now been dismissed by a planning inspector.

The church, built 30 years ago, is mainly unfenced.

The Mormons say there is grassed area at the side where their children could play but it is unsafe because there is nothing to prevent them wandering off.

Four neighbours objected to the planning application. Jennifer Reed, of Park Road, argued: “My house looks onto the church and, with the fence being erected right round, I will feel like a prisoner in my own home.

Others questioned the claims about vandalism, saying there was very little anti-social behaviour or criminal damage in the area.

They also raised concerns about the brightness of the street lamps.

First published at 12:09, Thursday, 01 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk