Powys County Council has taken down fencing on a housing estate after accidentally building on public space.

The local authority has launched an internal investigation about the fencing on the Bryn y Gog estate in Machynlleth.

The fencing acted as an extension to residents' gardens on the estate after it was installed earlier this year, while also providing a path for access.

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According to members of the public who contacted the County Times about the situation, they said residents were “confused” and “furious” about the work being undone which began earlier this week.

Residents said that the work had given them a bigger garden and had caused “no major issues” or “blocked any access”.

According to Powys County Council it appears the work strayed over an area which was considered council-owned land designated as 'public space' which could not be built on – meaning all the work had to be reversed.

The council has confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched into how the error was made in the first place.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Powys County Council’s Housing team has confirmed the removal of fences installed at 1-7 Bryn Y Gog, Machynlleth.

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“The fencing was installed during the springtime 2024 providing enclosed spaces for each property in an area of public open space.  An internal investigation is underway to establish why this occurred.

“Following much consideration and discussion with legal colleagues, it has been decided to remove the fencing and pathway and reinstate the area to its original use, as public open space.

“Residents were notified on October 29 and given a minimum of 28 days' notice of the reinstatement work.

"Letters were hand delivered to the residents, apologising for the disturbance and providing an opportunity for face-to-face discussions.”