CHARLOTTE CHURCH - CHURCH FENCE LOOKS SET TO STAY

Welsh pop star CHARLOTTE CHURCH is breathing a sigh of relief after news her local council is expected to green light giant fences she erected to keep away paparazzi photographers and fans. The CRAZY CHICK hitmaker set up the boundaries outside the Cardiff home she shares with rugby ace boyfriend GAVIN HENSON without planning permission in 2005, and the couple feared they would be dismantled. However, council planning officials are now expected to recommend Church be allowed to keep the fence, despite complaints from neighbours. In a report recommending approval, chief planning officer SEAN HANNABY defends accusations the barriers are an eyesore. He says, "It is considered that the detailing of the boundary treatment shows individuality and originality." Cardiff's planning committee will consider the recommendation to approve the application at its meeting later this month (17JAN07).