I've been ordered to tear down my greenhouse as the council says it 'spoils the area'…my neighbours love it | The Sun

A HOMEOWNER has been left fuming after "jobsworth" council officials ordered him to tear down his greenhouse.

Toby Garrett, 37, said that planners ordered him to remove the glass structure, along with his colourful garden fence, because they 'spoil the area' – even though nobody has complained.

The unique fence is built out of hexagons, painted in different shades of green and purple, and faces out into the street.

Artist Toby claimed that, in fact, his neighbours in Sedbury, Gloucestershire, loved the items and are "cheered up" by them.

The garden contains a number of creative sculptures while the domed greenhouse is based on London's iconic 'Gherkin' building.

However, officials insisted that the structures "impact on the visual amenity" of the village.

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Toby said: "People on my street have sent me messages saying they are gutted because it cheers Sedbury up.

"I phoned the council and was told art is not allowed without planning permission and I have to take it down within two weeks.

"I make art to make people happy. I'm sorry it doesn't make everyone smile."

Hundreds of sympathetic locals have signed a petition to fight the decision, saying that residents "love" the artworks.

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One neighbour said: "What a load of nonsense. We love it – it is just council jobsworths trying to exercise some power."

A letter to Toby from Trevor Short, a Forest of Dean Council planning enforcement officer, read: "I have discussed with my supervisor and he agrees with my decision that we would not encourage an application as it highly unlikely to be supported and is a waste of your money applying.

"I have examined all the structures and have come to the conclusion that they all require planning permission.

"Due to the impact on the visual amenity of the area any application is unlikely to be successful."

Mr Short added: "Don’t forget to remove the dome."

A spokesperson for the council said that the case was being investigated.

They explained: "Forest of Dean District Council is aware of the matter regarding a planning dispute at Buttington Road, Sedbury and the case is currently under investigation.

"As the investigation is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time."

When do you have to apply for planning permission?

Government advice states that you are likely to need planning permission if you build anything new, make a major alteration to a building (like an extension) or change the use of a building.

You can find out if you need planning permission beforehand by contacting your local planning authority (LPA) through your local council.

There are slightly different rules governing planning in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so it is always a good idea to check before you begin building.

Planning applications are then considered by the LPA, who will vote on whether or not to approve them.

Decisions are usually taken within 8 weeks, but could take longer depending on the complexity of the project.

If you feel that you have been denied planning permission unfairly, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, who will consider the case on behalf of the relevant Secretary of State.

A decision will then be taken, either by a planning inspector or directly by the Secretary of State, about whether or not to overrule the council.

Appeals can be made up to six months after you are notified of the decision, or up to 28 days after you are given an enforcement notice ordering you to take action.

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