Pontypool homeowner uses Google Earth to win decking planning row
A homeowner has used Google Earth to keep decking he built in his garden after a planning permission dispute with a council. Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, Torfaen, had been told a planning application was required for his decking years after it was built because it was about 50cm (20in) too far off the ground. Decking more than 30cm (12in) requires planning permission, but local authorities must take action within four years for most developments. A planning officer concluded there was no reason to doubt the decking had not been "substantially completed" for less than four years and Mr Leek's certificate of lawful development was granted.
The application stated the decking had been completed in October 2017 and a statement from a neighbour supported Mr Leek's claim it had been built since at least 2019, when they moved to St Augustine Road in Griffithstown, Pontypool. As part of his evidence, Mr Leek also dug out old photographs dating back to August 2017, when the raised wooden platform was constructed. The council planning department said the 4.84m wide, and 3.82m long, light grey composite decking was 83cm from the ground level, meaning it is just over half a metre over the height that requires planning approval, which is 30cm. Planning officer Simon Pritchard said the council accepted the evidence put forward by Mr Leek which included a Google Earth aerial photograph from June 2018.Mr Pritchard said the council did not have any evidence itself, or from anyone else, to contradict the information provided.
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BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Pontypool homeowner uses Google Earth to win decking planning row
A homeowner has used Google Earth to keep decking he built in his garden after a planning permission dispute with a council. Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, Torfaen, had been told a planning application was required for his decking years after it was built because it was about 50cm (20in) too far off the ground. Decking more than 30cm (12in) requires planning permission, but local authorities must take action within four years for most developments. A planning officer concluded there was no reason to doubt the decking had not been "substantially completed" for less than four years and Mr Leek's certificate of lawful development was granted. The application stated the decking had been completed in October 2017 and a statement from a neighbour supported Mr Leek's claim it had been built since at least 2019, when they moved to St Augustine Road in Griffithstown, Pontypool. As part of his evidence, Mr Leek also dug out old photographs dating back to August 2017, when the raised wooden platform was constructed. The council planning department said the 4.84m wide, and 3.82m long, light grey composite decking was 83cm from the ground level, meaning it is just over half a metre over the height that requires planning approval, which is 30cm. Planning officer Simon Pritchard said the council accepted the evidence put forward by Mr Leek which included a Google Earth aerial photograph from June Pritchard said the council did not have any evidence itself, or from anyone else, to contradict the information provided.
Wales Online
6 hours ago
- Wales Online
Google Earth helps man win planning battle over garden decking
Google Earth helps man win planning battle over garden decking Gareth Leek won the planning case after obtaining images from Google Earth showing the decking had been in his garden for more than four years unchallenged A photograph showing the completed decking at the house in Pontypool, Torfaen (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) A homeowner has been embroiled in a legal row with his local council over the size of his garden decking which was half a centimetre too high. Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, finally won permission to retain his garden decking this month after he was contacted by the council and informed he should have submitted a planning application for the size of the smart decking in his back garden – years after he'd built it. Mr Leek told the council he was unaware the decking required any formal permission from the local authority when he built it in 2017 and he discovered when he looked further into the matter that the decking wasn't even a centimetre over the threshold for a planning application to have to be submitted. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. Mr Leek won the planning case after obtaining images from Google Earth showing the decking had been in his garden for more than four years unchallenged meaning he should legally be allowed to keep it. He also forwarded a letter to the council which was signed by his neighbour who was supportive of Mr Leek keeping the decking as it was and agreed Mr Leek had had the decking in place in the garden since at least 2019. Article continues below A planning hearing heard Mr Leek had retrospectively applied for a certificate of lawful development. The decking is 4.84m wide and 3.82m long and is 0.83cm from ground level meaning it was just over half a centimetre over the height that requires planning approval. Planning officer Simon Pritchard acknowledged the evidence presented by Mr Leek, which included a Google Earth aerial image from June 2018. Article continues below The application indicated the decking was finished in October 2017 and the neighbour confirmed its presence since at least 2019 when they arrived next-door at St Augustine Road. Mr Pritchard said that the council had no contrary evidence or reason to doubt that the decking had not been "substantially completed for less than four years". Mr Pritchard's report confirmed that the application is now immune from enforcement action, deemed lawful, and the department has issued the certificate.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
I can't believe where my entitled neighbours have put their kid's paddling pool – I can barely get into my house
WITH the nation basking in sky high temperatures this weekend many of us will have pulled our paddling pools out of storage. But one man has revealed that his neighbour's paddling pool has caused him nothing but trouble after they set it up on his driveway. Taking to Reddit the man wrote: 'My duplex neighbor thinks my driveway is his kiddy pool spot…' He then shared a snap of the red strawberry printed inflatable pool placed directly next to his car. He went on to add: 'I think all logic has gone out the window with these people. They have a backyard they could use for a kiddy pool. 'There is most definitely a hose in the backyard. 'I wouldn't of even cared if the pool was under the car port up towards the wall. 'The fact I had to walk around a pool and crack my car door and squeeze in is what p***ed me off the most.' Fellow Redditors were equally outraged, with several coming forward with suggestions on how he could get his own back. One wrote: 'All of it goes to the dump. Be the bigger neighbor from hell.' 'Poke a hole in it poke a hole in it poke a hole in it poke a hole in it,' suggested another cheeky user. A third added: 'Park on it, it won't damage your car and I think they won't do it again.' Kate Lawler locked in bitter row with neighbour after controversial move - whose side are YOU on- Sharing an update, the homeowner revealed that he had managed to negotiate the pool's removal. He wrote: 'The pool was moved out of my driveway and the bed frame was taken down to the street finally. 'That's all I wanted, if I see them I'll tell them thank you and move on.'
