Fury as 20ft high metal shelving that looks like a ‘roller coaster’ built at the end of the yard

A couple has lashed out at ‘disgusting’ 20ft high metal shelving that they say ruined the view of the countryside from their new home.

Jenny Mason and Stuart Dodd said they were treated to stunning views of trees and fields in the distance when they moved into their £325,000 semi-detached house in April.

But the pair are now furious after a 118-foot row of metal racks that look like a ‘roller coaster’ were set up on the other side of their fence in Roudham, East Harling, Norfolk.

The building was constructed 60 yards away from their fence by local firm Crendon Timber Engineering, with 46-year-old Jenny saying the “monster” has made it difficult to enjoy her own yard.

She and Stuart, who is 48, say the lumberyard has told them they want to stack pieces of wood and planks on the rack, potentially blocking their view even more.

Jenny Mason, pictured here in her yard with the metal rack behind her, says it's ruined her enjoyment of the outdoor space

Jenny Mason, pictured here in her yard with the metal rack behind her, says it’s ruined her enjoyment of the outdoor space

Ms Mason and her partner Stuart Dodd say they wouldn't have bought their house had they known the metal shelving was going to be installed

Ms Mason and her partner Stuart Dodd say they wouldn’t have bought their home had they known the metal shelving was going to be installed

The couple only moved into their £325,000 semi-detached home in Roundham, Essex in April

The couple only moved into their £325,000 semi-detached home in Roundham, Essex in April

The couple said they hoped to enjoy peaceful country life in Roudham after moving from their former home in Slough, Berkshire.

Mother of three, Jenny, who works with adults with special needs, said, “We absolutely loved this house when we bought it.

“We knew there was a lumber yard on the other side of the fence, but it didn’t bother us. It had to be our dream house.

“We could live with a bit of noise because we were in Slough before, where we were only minutes from Heathrow and planes were flying over.”

Landscape architect Stuart said he came back from work about three weeks ago and heard contractors working with a backhoe.

He looked over his fence to ask what they were doing and was told they were ‘setting up a steel structure’

Stuart said he immediately went to the yard to complain and the staff told him they were cleared for the work.

But when Stuart inquired with Breckland Council, he found that no application had been made.

They claim that the timber trade behind their property does not have permission to install the shelving

They claim that the timber trade behind their property does not have permission to install the shelving

About a week later, the scaffolding suddenly appeared while the couple was at work.

Jenny said, “Suddenly I saw this aerial platform and the gigantic scaffolding when I looked out my bathroom window.

‘I went to the yard and said, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ We got hold of the planning department and they asked them to stop, but they didn’t.

“They claimed they had to continue with the work because the contractors had already been paid and it could be difficult to stop halfway through.

‘The municipality had them apply for a building permit with retroactive effect and has forbidden them to stack anything on the shelves until a decision has been made.

Mother of three Jenny said, “We knew there was a lumber yard on the other side of the fence, but it didn't bother us.  It had to be our dream house'

Mother of three Jenny said, “We knew there was a lumber yard on the other side of the fence, but it didn’t bother us. It had to be our dream house’

“But we think they should tear it down now. It’s an eyesore that they put down without permission without thinking of their neighbors.

“It has ruined our enjoyment of our garden. Who wants to sit outside and watch this monster?

“It’s just disgusting and awful. I don’t see how it can be allowed. It’s horrible.

“The yard manager got a little funny with us, saying all the neighbors were very frosty.

“We know people have to earn a living, and it wouldn’t be so bad if it was a little lower. But right now it’s just too damn high.”

Stuart said they had no hint that the company wanted to build the scaffolding as they conducted searches before buying their home in Norfolk.

He added: “If it had been standing when we looked at the house, we probably wouldn’t have bought it.

‘When we moved in, we beautified the garden by bringing in a few chickens and planting a vegetable garden.

‘Then three months later this statement suddenly appeared. It extends the length of four houses. All the neighbors are angry about it.

“No one had any letters or warnings that it would go up. When people pass by, they say, “What the hell is that?”

“It’s causing us so much stress and anxiety that we have to fight it, and we can only pray that the council will deny the building permit and force them to tear it down.”

Stuart said he feared any plastic-wrapped wood products stored on the shelves would rustle in high winds, causing both noise pollution and an eyesore.

He said: ‘You can hear all the rustling of plastic packaging around shelves on other shelves – but these will be much closer to our house.’

The Phoebes’ 21-year-old student daughter added: ‘This statement ruined the view from my garden and bedroom.

“If it wants to stay, it has to be halved in size because it now looks closer than it is, making the house feel very closed.

“Finally, the extra noise and lighting caused by using this rack will be incredibly disturbing.”

Neighbors John and Ameila Raby, who both work for the NHS, have also opposed the shelving.

Crendon Timber Engineering, which is building the metal storage shelving system, said in planning documents it would have

Crendon Timber Engineering, which is building the metal storage shelving system, said in planning documents it would have “little to no impact on the environment.”

John said, ‘We weren’t aware anything was going to happen. We find it an eyesore. It shouldn’t have been so close to the neighbors’ houses.

“If they’d put it further away in their yard, it wouldn’t have bothered anyone. I know they are a local business and create jobs and we support that. It’s not about trying to ruin a business. It’s about doing the right thing.’

Planning documents submitted to the council by Crendon Timber Engineering describe the statement as evidence of the company’s “long-term investment” in their site.

A draft and access statement prepared by agents acting on behalf of the company said the propositions would “provide much-needed additional storage capacity, needed to meet current and future demands, especially with the growing housing market.”

The statement said shelving would “likely have little to no impact on the surrounding area, including housing,” although it was “visible from some of the properties on Harling Road.”

It added: ‘The proposal should have minimal noise impact as the area is currently used for storage by the applicant’

The statement also claimed the proposition would allow the company to “work more efficiently with fewer vehicle movements and a safer alternative to current storage.”

The branch manager of the company said he understands the concerns of local residents.

He claimed that there had been “informal talks” with them to see if the appearance of the stand could be improved.