Councillor Scott Munro is developing a number of units next door to Daniel Fock, with the council approval mandating a 1.8-metre paling fence, but rather than replacing the old fence, Cr Munro mounted two rows of timber boards on top to bring it to the required height.

“It doesn’t comply – it’s not a paling fence,” Mr Fock said.

He said Moulder Street was a heritage conservation area, meaning the type of fencing was important.

“He’s not following [the council’s] own rules,” he said.

Council spokesman Nick Redmond said complaints about developments involving councillors were dealt with like any other and inspections had confirmed the condition was not met.

He said Cr Munro would either need to comply or lodge a modification, which Cr Munro said he was doing.

Council staff would then have to assess the application. 

Cr Munro said he added the timber before lodging the modification because owners he had sold two of the units to needed to move in.

“I didn’t want to cause them anguish,” he said.

He said it was still a timber fence at the correct height and did not waste the original structure.

“It’s built solidly,” he said.

However, Cr Munro said he was due to meet with Mr Fock on Tuesday afternoon to resolve the dispute.

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