The Dream That Became a Planning Nightmare
When Andrew Causley decided to replace an old children's play house in his Exeter garden with a summer house, he imagined peaceful evenings enjoying tea and reading the paper in the evening sun. Instead, the 59-year-old Royal Mail HGV driver found himself embroiled in an 18-month battle with the local council that has cost him thousands of pounds.
Neighbour's Complaint Sparks Council Action
The trouble began when Mr Causley's next-door neighbour, former Labour councillor Stephen Warwick, reported the wooden structure as unauthorised construction. Despite the summer house being smaller than many garden sheds and practically invisible from the street behind an evergreen hedge, Exeter City Council served Mr Causley with an enforcement notice.
Mr Causley and his wife Julie, 60, sought retrospective planning permission for both the new summer house and another existing structure in the corner of their front garden. Their application was refused, and they were given until Monday, November 17 to demolish the building.
The couple expressed shock at their neighbour's actions, noting they'd maintained a cordial relationship with Mr Warwick for 30 years. "We haven't had a cross word with him in 30 years," Mr Causley said. "He just came over and said I'm a councillor, I don't object but somebody else might."
Questions Over Influence and Council Resources
Mr Causley revealed this case represents the first planning enforcement action taken by Exeter City Council in nearly three years, raising questions about whether his neighbour's former position influenced the decision.
In his formal objection, Mr Warwick referenced his taxpayer-funded political role multiple times, mentioning he served as a city councillor for eight years before retiring in 2024 and had sat on the planning committee. The former Alphington ward councillor wrote that he had "advised Mr Causley strongly, acting in my capacity as a City Councillor" about the need for planning permission.
Other residents on the street have expressed outrage at the council's actions. One neighbour told the Daily Mail: "This is just typical of the corrupt Labour administration we have in charge. The guy who made the complaint is an ex-Labour councillor and he's convinced the planning committee to get involved."
Another resident questioned the council's priorities: "This cannot be the best use of the council's time and resources. To my mind they should just let him get on with it."
The Financial and Emotional Toll
The battle has already cost the Causleys close to £3,000, with council costs likely similar. The couple installed the £150 summer house themselves, painting it green to blend with the garden. Inside, it contains just two wicker sofas and has no electrical connections.
The structure replaces a Wendy house built for their now-adult children 25 years ago, which had begun leaking two years ago. Mrs Causley explained the summer house had to be positioned in its current location to capture the sun.
Despite the setback, Mr Causley remains defiant and has vowed to take the fight to court if necessary. "I just can't see them winning at court," he said. "Is it out of character? Is it ugly? On balance most judges would say it's not causing any harm to anybody."
Exeter City Council declined to comment, describing the case as "active".
