Private Ambulance Driver Defies Council Order to Demolish Illegal Mega-Garage
A private ambulance driver has brazenly refused to tear down his illegal mega-garage in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, despite furious neighbours describing how the towering structure has "destroyed" their lives. Daniel Toma, 41, erected the giant fortress-like metal garage beside his modest end-of-terrace home without ever obtaining planning permission.
Monolithic Structure Dominates Suburban Street
The hulking dark-green compound, complete with tall electric gates and fencing, stands 3.4 metres high and more than seven metres wide, dwarfing nearby hedges and driveways. Located next to a primary school zebra crossing, the crudely-built garage has sparked outrage among residents.
Despite being ordered to demolish the monolithic structure, Toma has refused to comply, insisting he needs the detached garage to house his ambulances. The Romanian businessman defiantly stated: "I will not remove it. People in the area do not have a problem with it."
Neighbours Express Fury and Despair
However, neighbours tell a very different story. Peter Loughlin, 74, whose view is now blocked, said: "It's an absolute disgrace. He should be ashamed of himself. He's ruined my view. I've lived here 30 years and he is destroying my life."
Mr Loughlin, who fears the garage reduces the value of his £350,000 terraced house, added: "If I sit in my chair and look out I see a great big green compound. It's horrible. I have reported it to the council and I won't stop until it gets pulled down."
Bermet Amanaeva, 40, who moved into her home in 2015, said she was "horrified" when the structure was installed. "It's a nightmare. I have to look at it everyday. It's so ugly. Also, when they drive in, they're driving over a crossing. It's dangerous," she explained.
Council Enforcement Action Upheld
Other neighbours have also submitted official complaints, including immediate next-door residents. Martin Suiter, 44, described it as an ongoing saga for "months", saying: "It just came out of nowhere. We all object to it. If everyone was allowed to do that, how would the streets look? It'd be a free-for-all."
Hertsmere Council refused retrospective planning permission and launched enforcement action, ordering Mr Toma to demolish the structure. He appealed that decision, but the Planning Inspectorate has now upheld the council's ruling, questioning why a garage of such size and design was required for a family home.
Mr Toma, whose ambulance business transports mental health patients and vulnerable young people, and provides transport for court appearances, built the garage at his £600,000 home without obtaining consent from Hertsmere Council. The standoff continues as neighbours vow to keep fighting for its removal.
