Homeowner wins feud with neighbours over 7ft-tall 'Berlin Wall' built around £1million seaside home

A homeowner has won a feud with neighbours over a 7-foot "Berlin Wall" built around a £1million seaside home in Dorset.

Ken Lynch caused outrage among his fellow neighbours in the affluent suburb of Lilliput, near Poole Harbour, when he replaced his property's low-lying wooden fence with a towering concrete wall.

Neighbours were quick to draw comparisons with the Berlin Wall, describing the structure as an oppressive "eyesore".

Jo Spragg, 58, a clothing brand owner, said: "It is very disappointing that they have approved that eyesore.

"There is no precedent for it here and no other walls like it."

Objectors also warned granting permission would set a dangerous precedent, signalling to developers that planning rules could be flouted without consequence.

To the neighbourhood's dismay, planning officials from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council have retrospectively approved the application to keep the wall standing, the Sun reports.

Planning officer Camilla Bastidas concluded whilst the wall had a more solid appearance than what had previously stood there, it was not visually intrusive or incongruous with the surrounding area.

She noted similar boundary structures existed in the area and the wall was consistent with the character of the neighbourhood.

Mr Lynch declined to comment on the outcome, but described the media coverage of the dispute as an "invasion of privacy".

His property, which was formerly a bungalow with a low-lying brick wall and an open view into the garden, has been significantly altered in recent years.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the wall bore a striking resemblance to its famous namesake.

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They said: "I'm dismayed. I went to Berlin and saw the wall and all this one needs is some paint and it would be its twin.

"It is an eyesore and the council are saying do what you want because they don't care about the appearance of the area."

Lilliput sits on the edge of Poole Harbour in Bournemouth and is considered one of the more desirable addresses in the south of England, with properties in the area commanding premium prices.

Mr Lynch's wall stands at roughly twice the height of a standard garden fence.

It is grey and constructed entirely from solid concrete, giving it a stark, industrial appearance that many residents feel is inappropriate for its setting.

Mr Lynch has not indicated whether he intends to make any further changes to the property or its boundary.

GB News have approached BCP council for comment.