1 Railway Place Fairfield VIC 3078

Description: Dear Darebin Council, I am seeking approval to construct a 2.25 metre high timber paling fence (comprising of a 150mm plinth board and 2.1 metre palings) measuring approximately 17.5 metres in length, along with a 6 metre driveway gate on the boundary parallel to Rathmines Street. As the owner of a highly exposed corner allotment, this upgraded fence is essential to ensuring my safety, privacy, and overall wellbeing. My reasons for requesting this approval are as follows: 1. Personal Safety & Security At 69 years of age, I rely on my home as a place of safety. Unfortunately, I have experienced intrusions into my backyard, including strangers jumping over the current low fence. On several occasions people have also shone lights into my backyard at night, which is extremely distressing and raises genuine fears about theft or harassment. A higher fence will significantly improve my sense of security. 2. Sleep Disturbance & Noise Impact My bedroom is positioned close to the boundary fence on Rathmines Street. Pedestrians frequently walk past late at night, often talking loudly, calling out or sometimes yelling as they leave nearby venues. This noise disrupts my sleep and impacts my health and quality of life. A higher fence would act as a partial acoustic barrier and reduce visibility, contributing to a more restful environment. 3. Privacy Concerns From High Exposure As a corner property, my home is unusually exposed to a long street frontage totalling well over 30 metres. Pedestrians can easily see into my backyard, and I can see them walking past at all hours. This lack of privacy affects my ability to enjoy and use my own outdoor space in a comfortable and secure way. A 2.25m fence will finally provide a reasonable level of privacy. 4. Preventing Unlawful Access & Anti-Social Behaviour There have been incidents of strangers entering my yard, as well as rubbish being thrown over my fence from the footpath. These behaviours create unnecessary safety, hygiene and security concerns. A taller, solid fence will discourage access and significantly improve boundary protection. 5. Reducing Visual Intrusion & Street Disturbance Constant visibility of foot traffic contributes to a sense of intrusion and ongoing disturbance. The increased fence height will provide an appropriate visual break between my private residence and a busy pedestrian area. 6. Maintaining Property Amenity & Wellbeing A secure and private backyard is important for my safety and wellbeing, especially as I age. The current low fence does not allow me to use my backyard comfortably or confidently. Improving the fencing will allow me to maintain my property safely and enjoy the amenity expected of a residential home. 7. No impact on drivers or pedestrians The proposed fence height will not obstruct vehicle sight lines at the corner, as it is set back appropriately and positioned on private land. I am enclosing site plans for viewing and would like to say that the proposed fence aligns with safety principles that discourage opportunistic crime and improves resident security. It is visually unobtrusive and in keeping with the residential character. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, John Tsoutsoulis
Planning Authority: Darebin City Council

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Reference number: D/649/2025

Date sourced: We found this application on the planning authority's website on 28 November 2025, 7 days ago. It was received by them 3 days earlier.
Notified: 226 people were notified of this application via Planning Alerts email alerts
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