Enforcement action could be taken to remove a controversial fence erected in the St Albans Conservation Area.

Lattimore Road neighbours watched in horror last Thursday as two wooden fence panels were installed at number 32, boxing in the property and ruining the Victorian terrace to which it belongs.

The house is in St Albans' protected Conservation Area, where any developments must "preserve and enhance the character of the area".

The district council's guidelines state: "New development in the conservation area is expected to be to a high standard of design to ensure that the character and appearance of the Conservation Area is preserved or enhanced."

The landlord of the property, Paul Mair, also owns number 24 in the street, and residents are worried that he is planning a similar project for that property. He declined to comment when approached by the Herts Ad.

Now a council spokesperson has confirmed they are looking into the fence.

"Our planning enforcement team are aware of the fencing and are investigating the works that have been carried out.

"We are not able to comment further as this is an ongoing enforcement investigation."

One Lattimore Road resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "There has been a lot of talk on social media about the fence, with people accusing us of NIMBYism and snobbery for having an opinion on the look of our street.

"This is actually about protecting the character of the Conservation Area and ensuring this doesn't create precedence for other unsightly developments elsewhere in the city."

Neither St Albans Civic Society or Conservation 50 have responded to requests for comment.