A property developer has triggered a Cold War-style standoff with his neighbour after installing a genuine section of the Berlin Wall in his back garden in south-east London. Steve Thorpe, 65, purchased the 3.1-metre concrete slab from Germany and transported it to his home in Dulwich, only to face a formal planning permission complaint.
Acquiring a Piece of History
Mr Thorpe originally wanted a different section of the wall, but it was destined for an exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate. He later found a graffiti-covered piece that he felt would be a perfect addition to his garden. However, getting it to the UK proved challenging. He said: "It took an awful lot of wrangling to get it here. We had to get export licences and import licences, but we got it."
Due to the slab's immense weight, Mr Thorpe had to construct a special dolly and use multiple machines and winches to manoeuvre it into place at the rear of his property. The wall is now visible from the road.
Neighbour Complaint
Shortly after installation, a neighbour confronted Mr Thorpe. He told the Daily Mail: "Just as we finished putting it up, a neighbour asked 'what is that?' I explained that it was a piece of the Berlin Wall and he said, 'You needed to ask my permission for that'. I didn't think I needed to."
The neighbour subsequently lodged a formal complaint with Southwark Council, arguing that the wall requires planning permission. A council spokesperson said: "We have received a planning complaint about a section of wall installed in Dulwich. We will investigate the complaint and take any appropriate action in line with the national planning processes."
Historic Significance
The Berlin Wall divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, and its fall symbolised the end of the Cold War. Sections of the wall are displayed in museums and public spaces worldwide, but private ownership is rare. Mr Thorpe's piece, adorned with graffiti, is now at the centre of a local dispute that echoes the wall's divisive history.
