Neighbors Force Man to Demolish House in Garden, Calling His Work "Illegal Construction" (4 photos)

British postman Andrew Causely decided to build a small house for himself and his wife, Julia, but his neighbors weren't happy. They complained about the "illegal construction" in his garden.





He erected the new house in the garden 18 months ago, replacing a 25-year-old gazebo that had begun to leak. After neighbors complained, local authorities issued a demolition order with a deadline of November 17th.

Andrew and his wife, Julie, consider the demand excessive. They say the new house is no larger than the previous one, was painted to match the doors, and sits on the same concrete foundation.



They've already spent around £3,000 on installation and paperwork. Andrew is outraged by the "excessive bureaucracy" and says he's ready to fight for his building in court.

"We asked if we could change anything in the design to reach an agreement. But the answer was always the same: 'If the neighbor doesn't like it, we won't discuss it,'" says the Briton.

Meanwhile, neighbor Stephen Warwick, who filed the complaint and is a former Exeter City Councilor, denies any influence on the council's decision. He claims he was simply trying to advise Andrew to obtain a building permit.

Some neighbors on the street, however, called the situation "a waste of time and money," but many support Andrew's right to build a new house on their property.





Meanwhile, city officials stated that the summer houses are incompatible with the "architectural style and appearance of the street." The Kozley family, however, notes that a similar house previously stood in their location and that many neighbors have already built parking spaces in their gardens.

Journalists conclude that the demolition order has not yet taken effect. Andrew and Julie have already received the support of the local councillor, and the local authorities' decision has been halted. They plan to refer it to the property dispute court.