A 15th-century moated castle, owned by a local councillor, has sparked controversy over a fence that caused 'irreversible damage' to its historic walls. The fence, erected by Thomas Barclay, was intended to prevent people from peering over the boundary wall to photograph Middleton Castle in Norfolk. However, the fence was deemed 'unpleasant and inappropriate' by councillors, who refused retrospective planning permission. The fence was found to have caused 'irreversible damage' to the Grade I-listed castle's structure, with screws drilled into the historic bricks. The castle, also known as Middleton Towers, dates back to around 1455 and has been in Barclay's family since the 1960s. It has been opened for weddings, corporate events, and guest stays since 2023, offering a 'Traitors Experience' that promises a 'perfect backdrop for deception, strategy, and suspense'. While some supported the fence for privacy concerns, the majority of councillors were critical, suggesting that the application was only considered due to Barclay's status as a councillor. Barclay, a former foreign exchange trader, was not present to defend the application.
