A couple from Abbots Langley have submitted a formal complaint to Three Rivers District Council about the behaviour of two councillors during a planning meeting.

The complaint lodged by Glynn and Alison Pope follows the council’s decision to refuse them retrospective planning permission for a fence at the front and side of their home, in Creasy Close last month.

Mr Pope, 30, who works as an estate agent in the area, said: “The fencing, which cost about £1,000, was built for privacy for my family. With my wife due to give birth in a month, it’s understandable that I want to protect my family.

“A lot of thought went into what we built. We wanted it to be sympathetic to the neighbourhood, so the colouring matches, the arrangement of the panels on the side fence mirror the alleyway fence, and the picket fence is completely in character with what’s in the street.”

Mr and Mrs Pope said they were “stunned” when their retrospective planning application was rejected on Thursday, September 16, on the basis it was out of character and caused a loss of amenity space.

Although they plan to appeal the decision, they say they were further angered by the behaviour of two district councillors – so much so that they have made a formal complaint.

Ryan Watson, a council representative, said: “We can confirm that the Standards Committee has received three Code of Conduct complaints concerning two councillors arising from a planning application submitted by Mr Pope.

“These complaints will be considered by an Assessment Sub-Committee of the Standards Committee on October 6, 2010, in accordance with the council’s written procedures.

“The sub-committee can then make a finding of no further action or can refer the complaints for investigation.”