NewsUK NewsPlanning permissionThe 7ft-tall structure has been installed outside a house sitting in one of the most exclusive seaside towns in the countrySimon Green Head of Trendswatch11:03, 25 May 2026A homeowner has angered residents of an affluent neighbourhood after replacing a boundary fence with a towering concrete structure that locals claim looks like the Berlin Wall.‌Ken Lynch has had the 75ft long grey wall constructed along the side of his substantial detached home on Sandbanks Road in the affluent Lilliput area of Poole, Dorset. The area, alongside its neighbour Sandbanks, are among the most expensive and exclusive seaside areas in the whole country, with average house prices starting at £700,000.‌Mr Lynch's imposing structure stands over 7ft tall and has been branded an eyesore by some residents, who liken it to something from the Soviet Union era.‌The new wall forms part of the transformation of the corner property, which was once a charming bungalow with an attractive front garden and a low brick wall that allowed passers-by to enjoy its vibrant herbaceous borders.The previous owner gained permission to convert the bungalow into a two-storey house with a sizeable rear extension. The property is now valued at £1m. A temporary wooden slatted fence was put up along the boundary before being replaced with the permanent grey wall.‌However, the structure is so substantial that it requires planning permission, which new owner Mr Lynch has had to apply for retrospectively. Neighbours have submitted letters of objection to BCP Council urging them to reject the application, which could force Mr Lynch to tear it down.Local resident Annabel Hobson, 67, a retired accounts clerk, said she was appalled when she first laid eyes on the wall. She described it as far too overbearing on the street scene, giving the impression that the owners are fortifying themselves inside.She said: "I walk my dog past the wall every day and it looks like the Berlin Wall. There used to be a wooden slatted fence, which was nice on the eye, but they have replaced it with an eyesore .‌"When you walk past the wall it feels like it is leaning on you and the path has narrowed. It looks like they are trying to barricade themselves in and it is not in keeping with the area."I feel sorry for the people opposite who come out of their house and that is the first thing they see. It says in our deeds of covenant that walls must have the look of the area."I assumed they had planning permission so when I learnt they were applying retrospectively I was shocked. I do hope planners will ask for it to be taken down and permission is not granted, as in the future, other property owners will feel they too can erect walls to barricade themselves in."Article continues belowAnother neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, described the wall as 'horrible' to look at and a step down from the original wooden fence.Meanwhile, Richard Spragg stated that the height of the wall makes it "visually intrusive and overly dominant in the street and creates an enclosed and oppressive appearance".Mr Lynch has been approached for comment.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Planning permission