Father Ordered to Demolish £40k Rooftop Safe Haven Built After Street Murder
A father who invested his life savings into constructing a rooftop safe haven for his young son, following a brutal murder on their doorstep, has been ordered by the council to demolish the structure. Electrician Jon O’Brien purchased his family home in Acton, west London, in 2021, but just months later, the community was shaken when a 23-year-old man was fatally shot on their street.
Safety Concerns Drive Costly Construction
Terrified that his seven-year-old son could become a victim of London's escalating street crime epidemic, Mr O’Brien spent £40,000 to build a wooden games room on top of his flat. "Someone was murdered outside the front of our place and it was so close there were flowers in our driveway," he told the Daily Mail. "We were new to the neighbourhood and didn't know if this was going to be a consistent thing. It's all about safety because to be honest with you London's not the safest place as is."
The structure, designed by an architect and fitted with a table tennis table, was intended as a secure play space. Mr O’Brien believed planning permission had been secured, but he later discovered this was not the case when council officials visited his home. "It cost £40,000, which was our life savings at the time, to get the architect involved to liaise with the council which he said he did," he added. "But I think we were played. That cleaned us out, but you would do it for safety and it can be used all year round."
Council Enforcement and Planning Dispute
Despite multiple children in the area using the makeshift games hub, Ealing Council has demanded its removal, citing that it "harms the character of the area." Mr O’Brien appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, arguing the rooftop retreat was essential for his family's safety. The inspector expressed sympathy, noting: "The appellant has highlighted his concerns regarding anti-social and violent incidents in the area, including the undoubtedly distressing murder case not far from his property."
The inspector acknowledged the development's importance as a games room but concluded: "I therefore understand the appellant’s security concerns and the importance of the development to him and his family. However, the property provides alternative secure external amenity space, albeit uncovered. Therefore, whilst I appreciate how disappointing my decision will be to the appellant, I find that the benefits advanced do not outweigh the harms I have described."
Family's Desperate Plea and Future Uncertainty
Mr O’Brien is desperate to keep the structure so his son Del can continue to play safely, even noting that tenants of the main complainant use the space. "We've gone back to the council and said we can redesign it but they're not even interested in doing that," he said. "In my books that's very rude, there's plenty of things we can do to redesign it and have it as a safe space."
The family is now considering moving or leaving London altogether due to the stress. "There's so much on the table, as soon as it came through I looked at another property but obviously we won't be able to sell this until the structure comes down, it's just a knee jerk reaction," he explained. "Leaving London, I don't know because of schools but that's definitely one option on the table."
Mr O’Brien has been given three months to demolish the structure and clear all debris. Ealing Council has been contacted for further comment on the enforcement action.
