David and Denise Hopwood, of Duchy Lane, Farnworth, say the fence was installed earlier this year to replace a nine-foot hedge that had become too difficult to maintain.
The couple, who are both disabled, said they were left with no choice after struggling to pay around £800 a year to maintain the hedge.
Ms Hopwood said the fence had changed her daily life.
She said: “Before it was there we had no privacy at all.
“Traffic is backed up on Plodder Lane and we felt like we were living in a fishbowl.
“In the summer we even put blankets up so people couldn't look in while they ate. It was terrible.”
David and Denise Hopwood installed a six-foot privacy fence after removing a nine-foot hedge that was difficult to maintain (Image: NQ)
The gray composite fence, complete with trellis and gravel boards, was built in March this year and runs along the edge of their Plodder Lane property.
However, just four months later, the couple were told that subsequent planning permission was required, but this has since been refused.
Mr Hopwood said the decision had come as a shock.
He said: “Neighbors have said they like it.”
“During construction, people came by and said it looked nice.
“They liked the color, there wasn't a single bad comment.
“The city council says this is atypical, but it’s not a uniform area.”
“There are all kinds of fences and colors nearby. It just doesn't make sense.”
Bolton City Council refused subsequent planning permission on the grounds that the appearance of the fence did not fit in with the streetscape of the surrounding neighborhood (Image: NQ)
Bolton City Council planning officers had recommended rejection of the application on the grounds that the height, color and materials of the fence did not suit the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
They said the removal of the previous hedge made the new fence more prominent and visually intrusive
In their report, officers said the area was characterized by low boundary walls broken up by landscape planting and that the fence positioned close to the pavement had an “undue influence” on the streetscape.
Mr Hopwood also highlighted what he said were inconsistencies in the council's approach.
“There is a 10-foot fence across from our property that has never had any problems. Why is our fence different?”
“There’s a new building down the street with modern designs that stand out far more than ours.”
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A ten-foot fence directly across the street remains in place (Image: NQ)
The couple say they are determined to fight on and will appeal this decision.
Mr Hopwood added: “It's so disappointing. We just wanted something that was easier to maintain.”
“We are appealing the decision through a private company, and if that doesn’t work, we even have a lawyer on standby.”