A homeowner in Knutton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has expressed shock and anger after a 20-foot concrete retaining wall was built at the edge of her garden without prior warning. Sharon Everill, who lives on Wilmot Drive, described the structure as an 'eyesore' and a 'monstrosity', claiming it came as a 'complete surprise' when she returned home one day.
The wall is part of The Paddocks, a 276-home housing development by Tilia Homes (formerly Kier Living). Mrs Everill was aware that development would occur on the green space behind her property, but she was not told about the wall. 'We knew there was going to be a house 30 feet back from the edge of our property, but it was never mentioned that there would be a 20 foot high concrete retaining wall,' she said.
Mrs Everill, who has lived in her home for over 30 years, fears the wall will reduce her property's value. Developers explained the wall is necessary for backfilling land behind it, meaning it will remain permanently. Tilia Homes offered a £200 contribution towards planting trees to conceal the wall, but Mrs Everill rejected the offer, stating: 'We don't want £200. We don't want £2,000. We just don't want this eyesore here.'
A spokesperson for Tilia Homes said the wall was built in accordance with planning permission granted in 2018, with details publicly available. They added: 'We have been in contact with the resident in recent weeks and have offered a contribution towards tree planting to help conceal the wall from her garden. We are more than happy to discuss this further and reach a solution that is suitable for both parties.'
