A COUPLE fear their privacy could be invaded if plans to build allotments next to their home are not revised.

William and Daphne Hewison are urging planning officers at Welwyn Hatfield Council to reconsider proposals to create an allotment next to their bungalow in Haven Close, Hatfield, because the path that would lead gardeners to the site is almost directly on their doorstep.

Under the council’s scheme, visitors would access to the plots via a gate next to the Hewison’s house, with a path leading gardeners straight to the couple’s front door and past their bathroom window and back garden.

Mr Hewison has contacted the council to air his concerns, and has even suggested an alternative point of access from nearby Fiddle Bridge Road. But despite his pleas, he still fears the council will go ahead with the scheme as it is.

“I have said to the council that access could be made from Fiddle Bridge Lane, but they are insisting using Haven Close,” Mr Hewison said.

“As this is a close of sheltered bungalows for the elderly and disabled, it seems that they are determined to make life difficult.

“There will be further parking disruption in an area beset by parking problems. The safety and security aspect needs to be looked at. But it is my bungalow that has the problems of privacy as I am sure that people coming up to your front door must be an erosion of privacy.”

A council spokeswoman said the number of plots would be reduced and fencing improved around the Hewison’s home, when the site opened in early May.

“We have to balance the wishes of Mr and Mrs Hewison with the overall benefits to the community,” she said. “We’re sure the new allotment tenants will make good neighbours.”