Posted By Bev Hi Robert, While you're waiting for approval for your fence, have you got signs up to warn pedestrians of the hazards and/or prohibiting their access across the short cut? I know a lot of people will ignore or not notice signs, but it might help in any defence of a claim. Also, would you be able to put up a temporary barrier such as taping the area off? It's no good as security but people can't inadvertently roam into the area. I don't know if the council have prohibited this too, but if not, it might be useful in the short term (and fairly cheap). Re the planning consent - I don't know what their grounds are for refusal, but if it's just aesthetic, surely you will win this at appeal. If you don't have any luck finding any precedents (which would also help you to get planning consent), my Dad's a Planning Consultant and knows his stuff inside and out. If you need help, he (or one of his associates - not sure if this is precisely his field) would write your appeal and present it for you, including digging up any precedents). He would have to charge for his time (he leads me to believe he is very reasonable!). However, he would have an initial phone conversation with you for free and will give his opinion on your situation and likely outcomes if you gave him a few more details. He doesn't charge for a general phone enquiry like this. If this is any good to you, email me and I'll give you his number. He might be able to tell you how to find precedents, although I'm not sure if you have to pay for copies of other planning consents, etc. He'll tell you this. He's a decent bloke - not just out to make a fast buck! Best of luck - sorry to not have an answer straight away for you.

Posted By Ken Taylor Could you try less penetrable shrubs closely planted (with protective wind-break fencing until established)? Planners can be quite insensitive to health and safety. I have, on occasions, had to contest their wishes for toxic shrubs and trees planted in school grounds.

Posted By Robert Ball Many thanks to you all for your replies. We already have signage in place as well as safe work methods for drivers, although this is made more difficult by the fact that many different companies are able to use the facility without restriction as it is effectively public. The annoying part is that it is operated in "partnerhip" with the same local authority that has refused planning. There is a low wooden fence @1.5 ft high in the shruberry area which is totally ignored. The facility itself backs on to a pub and it is not uncommon for "happy" people to wander across as a shortcut. We also have a problem that when our staff point out the dangers it is sometimes the spark for conflict. I am arranging an onsite meeting with the planners to see if we can get a sound reason for refusal. The proposed fence will lead to a pedestrian crossing area which leads directly into the waiting area of the station. rgds Robert