Steven Thorpe, 65, a property developer from Dulwich, south-east London, purchased a genuine section of the Berlin Wall and installed it at the end of his garden. The 3.1-metre concrete slab, daubed with graffiti, now stands in his suburban backyard, but a neighbour has lodged a formal complaint with Southwark Council, arguing that the structure lacks planning permission. The council has launched an investigation to determine whether the wall can remain.
Historical Artifact Sparks Modern Dispute
Mr Thorpe said he wanted a piece of history and initially sought a different section of the wall, but that piece was destined for an exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate. Undeterred, he found another chunk covered in graffiti that he considered a perfect fit for his garden. However, transporting the wall from Germany to the UK proved challenging.
“It took an awful lot of wrangling to get it here. We had to get export licences and import licences, but we got it,” Mr Thorpe said. “And because it weighs so much, we had to make a dolly to get it down and use lots and lots of machines and winches to get through the garden.”
Neighbour Complaints and Council Investigation
Shortly after installation, a neighbour confronted Mr Thorpe. “Just as we finished putting it up, a neighbour asked ‘what is that?’” he recalled. “I explained that it was a piece of the Berlin Wall and he said, ‘You needed to ask my permission for that’. I didn’t think I needed to.”
A Southwark Council spokesperson confirmed: “We have received a planning complaint about a section of wall installed in Dulwich. We will investigate the complaint and take any appropriate action in line with the national planning processes.”
Local Reaction and Potential Impact
The wall, visible from the road, has divided opinion in the leafy suburb. While some residents appreciate the historical significance, others question the lack of prior consultation. The council’s investigation will assess whether the structure complies with local planning regulations. If found to be in breach, Mr Thorpe may be required to remove it or apply for retrospective permission.
