The governor of a Bradford school has sided with residents who objecting to a 30ft fence which has been installed without planning permission.

People in Eversley Drive, overlooking Carrwood Primary School, Holme Wood, want the netting and steel post fence in front of their homes pulling down, describing it as an eyesore.

They say it appeared suddenly in August with no consultation.

One resident James Trotter said: “It’'s like looking out onto a prison fence. It’s ugly and it blocks the view we used to have.

“No-one is happy about it. My house is almost bought but if I wanted to sell it, no-one would buy it becaue of that ugly thing. The head teacher herself has refused to speak to any of us about it but we were told by someone else at the school it did have permission.

“That information was wrong. They hadn't asked for permission at all when we checked up with the Council.”

A planning application to install the fence was received by Bradford Council Learning Services on Monday, December 23. It said the netting was to protect the school’s new two-storey classroom.

Councillor John Ruding (Lab, Tong), a governor at the school, said he supported residents and he had advised the school to find an alternative to the fence.

He said: “I’m disappointed the school didn’t take my advice. I agree with residents it’s an eyesore, it’s a monstrosity. It’s a blight on the street scene and I wouldn’t like to look out on to it.

“I’ve told residents I don’t think the school will be successful in its retrospective application. Of course while a retrospective application is lodged, the fence is not illegal.”

Hilary Beards, head teacher, confirmed the fence was needed to prevent vandalism of the buildings and to protect the cars of staff which have previously been damaged by stone-throwing yobs. She said: “We are aware of the concerns of residents about the netting but it has been erected for a number of good reasons.

“Firstly, the health and safety of our pupils is paramount and the netting stands on a hill above our reception class playground. This area has been a target for stones and other objects thrown over the existing metal fence. The netting prevents these missiles hitting any of our pupils, school windows and staff cars.”