Furious Man Builds 6ft Wall Outside Home For 'Privacy' But Ordered By Council To Knock It Down

A furious man builds 6ft wall outside home for 'privacy' but ordered by council to knock it down. A Welsh man has been ordered by his local council to demolish a 6ft wall he built outside his home, citing planning regulations.

The wall, which was built by Mark Roberts, was constructed with breeze blocks and stands at the front of his house in Gelligaer, in Caerphilly borough, Wales.

A furious man builds 6ft wall outside home for 'privacy' but ordered by council to knock it down. Mark Roberts claims that he built the wall for privacy reasons, as his house is situated on a busy street and he was tired of people constantly walking past and looking into his home. However, the local council has deemed the wall to be in breach of planning regulations and has ordered Mark Roberts to tear it down.

Mark Roberts, who used to work as a coal miner, spent two months building the wall himself at a cost of around £2,500. He claims that the wall has improved his quality of life by providing him with the privacy he needs.

However, the council has argued that the wall is a breach of planning regulations as it exceeds the height limit for a wall without planning permission. The maximum height for a wall without planning permission is 1 meter or 3.2ft, making Mark Roberts' wall over twice the height limit.

The council's decision has left Mark Roberts feeling frustrated and angry. Speaking to the media, he said:

He also claims that the council's decision is unfair as other homes in the area have similar walls that are over the height limit, but they have not been ordered to tear them down.

The council, however, maintains that Mark Roberts' wall is in breach of planning regulations and has ordered him to remove it within six weeks. If he fails to do so, the council may take legal action against him.

In a statement, the council said:

Mark Roberts' case is not unique. In 2020, a homeowner in Newcastle built a 6ft wall in front of her house to provide her with privacy and security. However, the council deemed the wall to be in breach of planning regulations and ordered her to remove it.

Similarly, in 2017, a homeowner in Edinburgh built a 6ft wall to provide her with privacy, but the council ordered her to take it down, citing planning regulations.

The case highlights the delicate balance between personal property rights and the need to adhere to planning regulations. While homeowners have the right to make alterations to their property, they must do so within the parameters of the law.

Planning regulations exist to ensure that homes and communities are developed in a sustainable and responsible way, and it is the responsibility of homeowners to adhere to these regulations.

The case of Mark Roberts and his 6ft wall has sparked a debate about the need for privacy in urban areas and the restrictions imposed by planning regulations.

While some have argued that Mark Roberts has the right to privacy in his own home, others have pointed out that the wall is in breach of planning regulations and sets a dangerous precedent.

Mark Roberts has garnered support from some members of the community, who have criticized the council's decision to order him to demolish the wall. Some argue that the council's decision is arbitrary and unfair and that Mark Roberts should be allowed to enjoy his property as he sees fit. Others have suggested that the council is overreaching its authority and infringing on Mark Roberts' personal property rights.

On the other hand, critics of Mark Roberts' wall argue that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles of planning regulations. They argue that if homeowners are allowed to build walls that exceed the height limit without planning permission, it could lead to an influx of similar structures, which could have a negative impact on the aesthetic and functional qualities of the neighborhood.

The case also highlights the importance of communication between homeowners and local authorities when it comes to making alterations to properties. While Mark Roberts claims that he was not aware of the height limit for walls without planning permission, the council argues that it has a responsibility to enforce planning regulations and ensure that they are adhered to.

Ultimately, the case of Mark Roberts and his 6ft wall highlights the complex and delicate balance between personal property rights and the need to adhere to planning regulations.

While Mark's desire for privacy is understandable, he must also ensure that any alterations he makes to his property comply with the law. Conversely, while the council has a responsibility to enforce planning regulations, it must also be mindful of the impact its decisions have on homeowners and communities.

What Are The Rights Of Homeowners In Regards To Property Alterations?

Homeowners often want to make alterations to their property to improve its functionality, and aesthetic appeal or simply to meet their personal preferences. However, before making any changes to their property, homeowners need to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to property alterations.

The first and most important thing homeowners should know is that they have the right to make alterations to their property, as long as they comply with relevant laws and regulations.

However, there are some restrictions on what they can do without planning permission. In general, minor alterations such as painting, minor repairs, or minor internal changes can be carried out without planning permission.

However, for any significant alterations, such as extensions, loft conversions, or external structural changes, planning permission is usually required. Homeowners should check with their local authority to determine whether planning permission is necessary for the specific alteration they have in mind.

Even when planning permission is not required, homeowners must still comply with building regulations. Building regulations are legal standards that ensure buildings are safe, healthy, and energy-efficient. Homeowners must ensure that any alterations they make meet these standards.

It is also important to note that while homeowners have the right to make alterations to their property, they have a responsibility to ensure that the alterations do not adversely affect their neighbors.

Alterations that have an impact on the neighboring properties or infringe on their rights to light, privacy, or access may be challenged by the neighbors or the local council. Homeowners should, therefore, consider the impact of their alterations on their neighbors before carrying out any work.

In some cases, homeowners may also need to seek permission from their mortgage lender or their homeowners' association (if they have one) before making alterations to their property. Failure to obtain the necessary permissions may result in the homeowner breaching their contract and facing legal consequences.

People Also Ask

Why Did The Council Order Mark Roberts To Demolish His 6ft Wall?

The council ordered Mark Roberts to demolish his 6ft wall because it was in breach of planning regulations.

Was Mark Roberts Aware Of The Height Limit For Walls Without Planning Permission?

Mark Roberts claims that he was not aware of the height limit for walls without planning permission.

Why Has Mark's Case Sparked A Debate?

Mark's case has sparked a debate about the need for privacy in urban areas and the restrictions imposed by planning regulations.

What Impact Could An Influx Of Similar Structures Have On The Neighborhood?

An influx of similar structures could have a negative impact on the aesthetic and functional qualities of the neighborhood.

What Is The Delicate Balance Highlighted By Mark Roberts' Case?

Mark Roberts' case highlights the delicate balance between personal property rights and the need to adhere to planning regulations.

Conclusion

A furious man builds 6ft wall outside home for 'privacy' but ordered by council to knock it down. The case of Mark Roberts and his 6ft wall highlights the challenges faced by homeowners when it comes to making alterations to their property. While Mark Roberts claims that the wall provides him with privacy and security, the council has deemed it to be in breach of planning regulations.

The case is a reminder that homeowners must ensure that any alterations they make to their property comply with planning regulations to avoid legal action. It is also a reminder of the importance of striking a balance between personal property rights and the need to adhere to planning regulations.

About The Authors

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