What the artist impressions envisage

...and what the scene actually looks like

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

COUNCILLORS have criticised a “twiggy trees” plan to cover a graffiti-covered fence alongside a new estate.

At a South Derbyshire District Council meeting, councillors approved revised plans for an extensive fence and earth bund forming part of the 1,058-home Buttercup Leys estate in Boulton Moor, Derby.

The two-metre high, 260-metre long acoustic fence sits atop a two-and-a-half metre earth mound (bund) between the A6 and the Persimmon Homes estate on the outskirts of Derby and was built more than three years ago without permission.

Two years ago, councillors rejected the already built earth bund and fence due to the impact on the gateway into Derby and South Derbyshire. Now the same plans have returned for approval, following a planting scheme aimed at eventually hiding the fence.

The spiky gorse plants which were planted more than two years ago still do not obscure the fence, councillors said and they heavily criticised artist's impressions of what the planting was supposed to look like as entirely unrealistic.