A homeowner in Abersychan, south Wales, has been ordered to demolish a towering wooden staircase in his back garden after neighbours branded it 'uneighbourly' and 'overbearing'. Ben Davies, 25, built the 8.8ft (2.7m) structure, which includes a bridge-like platform above a private lane, to navigate the steep slopes of his terraced garden on Manor Road.
Planning Inspector Rules Against Structure
An independent planning inspector, Nicola Gulley, upheld Torfaen County Borough Council's enforcement notice, ruling that the 'proposed development would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the appeal dwelling and on the living conditions of the occupiers of the neighbouring property.' The inspector described the staircase as 'uneighbourly' and concluded it must be removed.
Mr Davies argued that the staircase and supporting platform were 'a proportionate response to a constrained, steeply sloping site with long-established changes in ground level.' He maintained that the structure would not harm the area or neighbouring homes. However, the inspector disagreed, agreeing with the council's assessment.
Local Reaction
Villagers have dubbed the staircase 'more like the bridge of size than the bridge of sighs,' a reference to the famous 17th-century enclosed limestone bridge in Venice, Italy. One local said: 'I must say most people give a hugh sigh or moan when they see it.' Another commented: 'It's so dam ugly, I would hate to have that as my view. Why are people so inconsiderate to their neighbours. Be nice.'
Another neighbour added: 'Size of the fencing I wouldn't like it must block the neighbours sunlight.' A further comment read: 'It would put the Great Wall of China to shame, they must have used a small Brazilian Rainforest to build that lot!'
Context and Background
The original Bridge of Sighs in Venice crosses the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the Doge's Palace to the New Prison. Its name comes from the sighs of prisoners catching their final glimpses of the outside world. Mr Davies had intended the new staircase to replace an old stone staircase that ran through his steep garden to the street above.
The case highlights the tensions that can arise between homeowners and neighbours over planning permissions and the impact of structures on local character and living conditions.
