Villagers have questioned the need for a two-metre metal fence proposed for construction around a 30-acre Buckinghamshire estate recently purchased by a Russian businessman.

Alexander Mosionzhik, the former chairman of Russian investment firm Nafta Moskva, applied to Buckinghamshire Council for the construction of a two-metre-high metal palisade security fence and gates around his newly acquired estate, Wymers, in Marlow Bottom at the beginning of November.

Mr Mosionzhik’s agent cited security concerns as the motivation behind the proposal, stating that the site, which includes an area of ancient woodland, had been subject to antisocial behaviour, including an arson attack, in the past.

Over the subsequent weeks, however, Marlow Bottom villagers have hit out at the planned fencing, both for its potential incursion upon popular bridleways and its visual impact on the local area.

Bucks Free Press:

A Strategic Access Officer for Buckinghamshire Council reaffirmed these concerns in a consultation submitted to the planning portal on December 12, in which he said the fencing installation might not “adhere to the established widths” of bordering public walkways, resulting in a potential loss of the amenities.

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Steve Griffiths, of Badgers Way, added in an objection comment that he was “disturbed” by “markings that have (already) been inserted into the ground” along one of the bridleways and Sarah Bryant, of Ragmans Close, questioned the necessity of such an imposing security system in what she viewed as a quiet and safe village.

Ms Bryant wrote: “The level of security provided by a two-metre palisade fence seems excessive for a neighbourhood that is already considered safe.

“The area in question is renowned for its natural beauty, and the introduction of a large, industrial-looking fence would be out of character with the surrounding landscape and risk damage to natural habitats and species.”

Bucks Free Press:

Graeme Gordon, who lives on Andrews Way, also questioned the expanse of the proposed fence perimeters, writing: “Should the landowner believe he needs a two-metre fence to stop ‘unsocial behaviour’, this only applies to the building and its immediate surrounds, not the woods and fields adjacent to the house."

Locals had previously decried the proposed structure as “ugly, austere, prison-like and intimidating”, with Robert Browning, who lived in Marlow Bottom for over 35 years before retiring to Somerset, likening the fence to “a Berlin Wall in our village”.