A pensioner has been ordered to demolish a £6,000 extension he built for his disabled wife or face criminal prosecution. Ross Drysdale, 73, constructed the sheltered walkway at his two-bedroom bungalow in Christchurch, Dorset, in October 2024 to give his wife Victoria more freedom after she suffered a severe stroke 11 years ago.
Mr Drysdale did not apply for planning permission after a building inspector told him the structure complied with Building Regulations. However, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council) has issued an enforcement notice requiring him to remove the walkway by March 23 or face court action, citing a lack of compliance with brickwork requirements.
The enforcement notice states that it would be 'in the public interest' to proceed with a prosecution if the notice is not followed. Mr Drysdale accused the council of treating him 'like a criminal' and showing a 'lack of compassion' towards his wife's condition. He said the walkway, made of timber with a polycarbonate roof, houses her mobile electric scooter, walker, a washing machine, and allows her to groom their two dogs while protected from the elements.
Mr Drysdale said: 'I've received a letter of deconstruction telling me I've got to take it down by March 23 or they will sue me. The council have been heavy handed throughout the whole procedure. They need a bit more compassion.' He added that the situation is taking a toll on him and his wife, for whom grooming the dogs is one of her few remaining pleasures.
A BCP Council spokesperson said it is the developer's responsibility to ensure correct materials and compliance with approved plans and Building Regulations. They noted that a planning enforcement notice was first issued on July 31 last year, giving six months to complete works, and declined further comment due to the live notice.
