Rishi Sunak has put up a new fence around part of his historic north Yorkshire mansion to help deter future climate campaigners.
The Prime Minister applied to erect a new 165ft timber post and rail fence after anti-oil protestors scaled his roof in a shocking security breach last August.
He has now completed work on the barrier which surrounds his £2million home and cuts off a previously open border, after the council gave him the green light at the end of last year.
In a letter to North Yorkshire Council, David Boulton, of agents ELG Planning, said in application documents that the fence would help protect an unenclosed part of the property boundary currently made up of trees and vegetation.
He added that the fence had ‘the intention to provide a simple visual and modest physical barrier to discourage incursion…’
But not everyone was in agreement, with one local saying the fence would be an ‘unnatural eyesore in such a beautiful area that I absolutely adore’.
The Prime Minister applied to erect a new 165ft timber post and rail fence after anti-oil protestors scaled his roof in a shocking security breach last August
Work has been completed on the barrier which surrounds his £2million home and cuts off a previously open border
In August, Greenpeace protesters sparked outrage by scaling the roof of Mr Sunak’s manor house and unfurling black drapes in an anti-oil protest
In August, Greenpeace protesters sparked outrage by scaling the roof of Mr Sunak’s manor house and unfurling black drapes in an anti-oil protest.
The eco-activists walked through an unlocked gate and strolled into the grounds, with reportedly no police or security guards on site. Five suspects were later arrested.
Following this incident, Mr Sunak submitted plans for the fence to the council in October last year, which were designed to ensure the planning application went through quickly.
Documents submitted to the council said the fence was designed to ‘provide a simple visual and modest barrier to discourage incursion on to the residential property’.
Writing to Peter Jones, Development Manager at North Yorkshire Council, Mr Boulton said the proposal gave ‘no perceivable harm’ in heritage terms and ‘should be duly granted.’
Local Sarah Widdowson disagreed and said the fence would be a ‘visual blight’ on a ‘beautiful’ house screened by trees and hedges.
She said: ‘Aside from the fact the place is barely used, and it’s not his primary residence, which is London, his children are schooled in London, it’s well documented his second preference is in America, once Mr Sunak is no longer prime minister or when the house is sold, the fence will continue to be a visual blight.
‘The correct option is to utilise the services of a security company alongside appropriate fixed surveillance alongside tougher laws to stop these climate protesters from impeding everyone’s day to day life.’
The house was originally built in 1826 and Ms Widdowson believes Mr Sunak should not be putting up ‘ugly and harsh fencing on what’s been an open landscape for 100s of years’.
Greenpeace protesters swarmed the house in August last year and covered the facade with ‘oil-black fabric’ to protest against the Government’s backing for a major expansion of North Sea oil and gas exploration
Following this incident, Mr Sunak submitted plans for the fence to the council in October last year, which were designed to ensure the planning application went through quickly
She added: ‘To change the landscape of the area with a fence as detailed in the application for what will be a temporary period of time compared to how long the manor has existed and will continue to do so, further makes it an unnecessary reason.
‘We should be protecting the whole of North Yorkshire and preserving what makes our county look so beautiful, not putting up ugly and harsh fencing on what’s been an open landscape for 100s of years for a temporary job.
‘Mr Sunak’s career decision shouldn’t have an effect on the landscape of the area.
‘He should perhaps consider selling and finding something more appropriate to continue to stake his claim on the constituency.’
North Yorkshire Council planning officer Helen Laws said she could see no reason to refuse the application when it was submitted in October.
‘An existing post and rail fence forms the boundary of the access track to the church and the field beyond, on the southern side of the track,’ she said.
‘The surrounding landscape comprises areas of woodland and substantial tree belts, which would help to screen longer range views.
‘The timber fencing as proposed is typical of fencing in the surrounding locality and would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the wider rural landscape.
‘There are no near neighbours whose amenity would be affected by the proposed development.’
Mr Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, bought the country pile in 2015 for £1.5 million. In 2022, the council approved their plans to build a heated 40ft swimming pool, along with a gym and outdoor tennis court.
Planning documents showed the pool house would also include a hot tub, utility and changing area and plant room. The couple, who have two daughters, often spend weekends at the Grade II-listed former vicarage.
Documents submitted to the council said the fence was designed to ‘provide a simple visual and modest barrier to discourage incursion on to the residential property’
North Yorkshire Council planning officer Helen Laws said she could see no reason to refuse the application when it was submitted in October (pictured: A drawing of the then proposed fence from planning documents)
Greenpeace was blacklisted by the Government as a result of the stunt, with Ministers ordering all links to be immediately severed with the campaign group
But Greenpeace protesters swarmed the house in August last year and covered the facade with ‘oil-black fabric’ to protest against the Government’s backing for a major expansion of North Sea oil and gas exploration.
The Prime Minister was on holiday with his family in California at the time and Greenpeace said the stunt would not have gone ahead if the PM had been at home.
At the time, Greenpeace said: ‘Sunak’s plans will push us closer to climate breakdown while doing nothing to lower bills or boost our energy security.
‘It’s time for Sunak to choose between Big Oil’s profits or our future.’
Greenpeace was blacklisted by the Government as a result of the stunt, with Ministers ordering all links to be immediately severed with the campaign group.
Amy Rugg-Easey, 33, Alexandra Wilson, 32, and Michael Grant, 64, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage last month.
A fourth protester, Mathieu Soete, 38, appeared via videolink for the hearing and also denied the charge of damaging roof slates worth less than £5,000.
The case is due to go to trial in July.
