Residents face having ‘ garden makeover’ decking torn down

RESIDENTS face tearing down their Glasgow garden decking for the second time after a fight to keep it up was turned down by the council.

A couple objected to the raised decking at the Southside semi, claiming it overlooked a neighbouring garden and that “social gatherings” took place on it.

The structure was first erected during 2020 as part of a garden makeover at the Madison Avenue property, which included putting in patio doors.

But it was refused permission and an appeal failed.

Resident Theresa McInally submitted another plan for a smaller sized decking area in the back garden and fencing but that was also turned down. An appeal on that decision was once more rejected by councillors this week.

Outlining changes made to the timber platform, Ms McInally’s agent said the size of the deck would see a reduction of 50% and stairs would be moved so they faced eastwards and not towards a neighbouring garden.

The agent said: “Given the elderly nature of the applicants, the level of the deck has remained constant as they require to be able to move easily from the family room and the kitchen to the deck with no change in level.”

An objection from Mr and Mrs Speirs to the latest plan said the “1.23 metre” height of the decking is “unacceptable because of the overlooking of neighbouring gardens”.

Councillors decided to reject the appeal at Tuesday’s Planning Local Review Committee, which means the decking is still not allowed and faces removal.

It was erected without council permission as the residents didn’t know it was needed.

Committee chair councillor Ken Andrew, SNP, said: “Based on what we have in front of us, my view is there are good grounds for refusal of this application.”