A North London homeowner's life was turned upside down after being slapped with a colossal £116,000 fine from Barnet Council for a driveway modification they insist was already in place when they bought the property.
The staggering penalty, which escalated over a five-year dispute, was issued for a dropped kerb the owner claims was "invisible" and completely unknown to them. The case highlights the extreme financial risks homeowners can face over seemingly minor planning issues.
A Financial Shock Over Unseen Work
The nightmare began when Barnet Council alleged the homeowner had illegally lowered the kerb outside their property to create a vehicle access point without the necessary permission. What followed was a gruelling battle, with the fine snowballing as the dispute dragged on through the legal system.
The homeowner maintained their innocence throughout, stating the work had been carried out by a previous owner and was not something they had ever noticed or used. They described the entire ordeal as a "living nightmare" that caused immense stress and financial anxiety.
The Council's Stance and Eventual Climbdown
Barnet Council held firm for years, insisting that planning rules had been breached and that the fine was justified. The case serves as a stark warning to other homeowners about the critical importance of checking for all necessary permissions and documentation when purchasing a new home.
In a recent dramatic turn of events, the council has now been forced into a humiliating U-turn. After a lengthy review, they have finally quashed the enormous fine and admitted fault in their handling of the case.
This story is a cautionary tale for property owners across the UK, emphasising the vital need to conduct thorough due diligence and secure all relevant permits for any external property work, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
