Play equipment put up by a Chesham community group is likely to have to be taken down after planning bosses ruled it was put up without proper consent.

The four new pieces of equipment installed by the Pond Park Community Association were ruled to be having a negative impact on neighbouring residents because its size and height allowed people to look into residents’ back gardens.

It was put up on parkland off Highfield Road in the town, replacing a play area that was owned and operated by Chesham Town Council.

But members of Chiltern District Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected the retrospective application submitted to them when they met on Thursday night – and officers have recommended further enforcement action should be taken, meaning the equipment is likely to have to be taken down.

Former councillor Alison Pirouet said the play area was in one corner of the park and overlooked a resident’s house.

She told the committee: “He has received abuse from young people using it as a meeting point. He no longer allows his children to play in the garden due to the abuse.

“Young people can sit and see straight in through the windows.”

Mrs Pirouet added the original play equipment was taken down by the town council due to constant vandalism, telling the committee that safety mats were torn up on a weekly basis and repair costs became too prohibitive.

Committee members also raised concerns that the play area was not properly fenced off, causing safety worries.