Bird dispute takes off

May 31 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

FEATHERS are flying between two next door neighbours following the erection of a large wooden shed to house a collection of show canaries.

Stuart Percy built the 2.7m-tall bird home in the rear garden of his bungalow to provide new accommodation for the canaries, which he breeds and shows.

He claims he was forced into the move because neighbour Gordon Hartill constantly lights fires in his back garden which result in smoke drifting into an existing shed, causing distress to his birds.

The large structure has been built right next to the hedge between the two gardens – and Mr Hartill claims it is reducing the amount of early morning sunlight getting into his greenhouse in which he grows leeks and other show vegetables.

The construction of the bird home has caused a dispute between the two men, who have been neighbours in Woodside, Bedlington, Northumberland, for seven years.

On Thursday, Wansbeck councillors will be recommended by planning officers to approve an application by Mr Percy for permission for the new shed, despite a formal objection from Mr Hartill.

Mr Percy, who lives with his wife Joan, had been breeding and keeping canaries in a wooden shed further down his large garden for some years, but put up the new structure in February – prompting an official complaint to the council from Mr Hartill.

Yesterday, Mr Hartill, a self-employed electrician who has lived in Woodside with his wife Angela since 2001, said: “I have got no objection to Mr Percy enjoying his hobby of keeping canaries, but why should that impact on my hobby.

“The lack of sunlight into my greenhouse means my heating costs are going to go up, costing me money.

“In addition, the lack of light will have a detrimental impact on raising my plants.

“This whole problem started over the question of fires which I am supposed to have lit.

“They can’t say anything about fires because they are as bad as anyone for lighting them. The new shed is a visual intrusion and I complained to the council after it was put up.”

Mr Percy has said he will remove his old shed if he is granted permission for the new bird home. He was not available for comment yesterday.

A report to the council’s regulatory committee says: “It is not the role of the local planning authority to become involved in neighbour disputes, but to judge planning applications on merit.”

The report says that, while the shed is large, it doesn’t stop Mr Hartill’s greenhouse from enjoying sunlight for the majority of the day.