A couple says they've been left fuming after returning from their holiday to find their neighbour had built a "Berlin wall" next to the terrace of their seaside property.
Harold and Jacqueline Stanley claim they couldn't believe their eyes when they returned home to discover that a wall, which is said to be more than 6.5ft in height, had been built without their permission.
The Stanleys say the "ugly" concrete structure has blocked their view and has stopped them from fully enjoying their terrace. It's also led to bad blood with their neighbour, with the two warring households having exchanged quite a few heated words and accusations.
Harold, who lives near Blackpool, Lancashire, told The Sun: "The wall was the start of the fall-out. We came back from our holidays and were confronted with that thing in the back.
"It's like the Berlin Wall. We used to enjoy our terrace in the summer but now we have that unsightly wall to stare at. It's horrible and off-putting."
The Stanley's seafront home offers striking views of the Irish Sea, while Blackpool's famous Illuminations are also visible. Now the Stanleys say their view is ruined, and they're no longer on speaking terms with their neighbour.
Jacqueline said: "This whole saga has made me ill. I have health problems and this has not helped."
According to The Sun, the local authority has confirmed the neighbour did not seek the planning permission required to build the wall, but no action is being taken against her.
The publication understands that the wall in question was constructed by a Blackpool-based firm in June 2019. A source stated that it had been constructed to prevent water from getting in, an issue which has reportedly affected several other homes in the area.
This source also said the owner built the wall as they wanted to help prevent an elderly relative from having a fall in the rear area of their terrace. They claimed the Stanleys had been at home when the majority of the wall was being built, stating that it did not "suddenly" appear.
According to the website Planning Portal, residents must apply to their local authority for planning permission if they intend to construct or modify a fence, wall or gate that exceeds two metres in height.
Those who want to make a planning-related complaint about a neighbour are advised to contact their council. If this complaint hasn't been dealt with within a 12-week period, then they should contact their Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Wyre Council told the publication that they had been made aware of the wall but no action had been taken.
The Sun understands that, although the individual should have sought planning permission, officers who visited the property deemed the structure to be acceptable, and decided it wouldn't be in the public interest to pursue enforcement action.
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A spokesperson for Wyre Council gave the following statement: "I can confirm that this case was closed by the acting case officer and no enforcement action was taken."
Howard and Jacqueline's neighbour reportedly declined to comment when approached by The Sun.
Do you have a nightmare neighbour story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
