I’m fuming after council ordered me to tear down my new wall after giving me permission to build it – I’m fighting back
A FUMING homeowner has claimed that his local council have ordered him to tear down his new wall after giving him permission to build it.
Graham Tomlinson, 49, has been told he has to get rid of the "unauthorised" boundary at his home in Warrington, Cheshire.
Warrington Borough Council said he does not have planning permission for the structure.
But Graham insists he only put it up after substantial flooding with the council's agreement.
He told The Sun Online: "The council ripped down half of the original wall themselves there to repair the bridge because of flooding.
"This is their doing.
READ MORE PROPERTY NEWS
"I put it up because of the flooding. The council were happy with it."
Graham now plans to appeal the council's enforcement notice and is even considering taking legal action over the dispute.
He added that he doesn't know why it's an issue as he has a "good relationship" with his neighbours and, as far as he's aware, none of them have complained about the wall.
One such neighbour, who did not wish to be named, backed him up.
Most read in Money
They told The Sun Online: "It is not even a talking point. It's certainly not an eyesore.
"In fact, most [neighbours] are thoroughly in favour [of the wall] as it has helped when the nearby stream has flooded.
"Graham is a lovely man and has a good relationship with his neighbours. We're mystified."
The local speculated that a passerby had complained to the council as they may have felt the wall was not inkeeping with Graham's home, which dates back to 1754 and is listed.
Warrington Borough Council have been contacted for comment.
