Furious neighbours are demanding action is taken to remove a fence erected without permission in a St Albans Conservation Area.

Residents in Lattimore Road were shocked to witness the installation of two wooden fence panels segregating number 32 from other properties in a row of terraced houses.

The landlord employed a builder to put up the fencing despite the property being in St Albans' protected Conservation Area, where any developments must "preserve and enhance the character of the area".

The district council's guidelines state: "New development in the conservation area is expected to be to a high standard of design to ensure that the character and appearance of the conservation area is preserved or enhanced."

The planning enforcement department at St Albans District Council, the Civic Society and Conservation 50 have all been informed about the unauthorised development.

The installation of the fencing has provoked a furious debate among residents.

A Herts Ad reporter contacted the landlord Paul Mair directly but he declined to comment.

We were also contacted by a nearby resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, but said: "This is an unauthorised eyesore which totally ruins the vista of this terrace. 

"I sincerely hope enforcement action is taken swiftly. It looks like Morrison's car park at the moment."

St Albans District Council has been approached for comment.