Story Highlight
- Chris Rhodes demolished his half of a semi-detached house.
- Shivarna Mitra reports severe damage to her neighbouring property.
- Rhodes blames council delays and safety guidance for his actions.
- Council says demolition was done without necessary permissions in place.
- Mitra’s insurance company has begun legal proceedings against Rhodes.
Full Story
A Leeds man has defended his actions after demolishing half of a semi-detached house, leaving his former neighbour with severe property damage. Chris Rhodes, 47, who moved abroad following the demolition, claims delays from the council and safety guidance contributed to the situation. His neighbour, Shivarna Mitra, describes her living conditions as a “nightmare,” struggling with damp and mould in her property, which she cannot sell.
Mitra, who purchased her three-bedroom home for £217,000 in May 2021 and invested £80,000 in renovations, including a new kitchen, alleges that Rhodes’s demolition has rendered her property uninhabitable. Following the demolition, she reported gaps in her home allowing various pests to enter. Despite these claims, Rhodes asserts that his actions were necessary for safety and denies culpability.
In an interview with MailOnline, Rhodes stated, “There were very unfortunate circumstances that cost my wife and I a significant amount of money and stress also.” He contends that the demolition was prompted by storm damage which he claimed made the gable wall unsafe. Rhodes maintains that he acted in accordance with Health and Safety Executive guidance and argues he communicated with all relevant parties to resolve the issues.
Mitra reported Rhodes to the local council in January 2023, alleging he violated planning consent by demolishing his house. Rhodes refutes these accusations, stating that he was advised by the council to demolish the unsafe wall. He received a stop notice from the council in May 2023, although he asserts he complied with it. Following delays with his applications to rebuild, Rhodes sold the land for £115,000 earlier this year, stating he wanted to prevent his family from being affected by ongoing disputes.
A Leeds City Council representative confirmed that Rhodes had not secured the required permissions prior to demolition and advised Mitra to pursue insurance claims and legal advice. The spokesperson noted that building control had assessed the adjacent property as structurally stable while suggesting weatherproofing measures for the exposed wall.
Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Executive stated that, while they inspected the site after the demolition, they found no breaches of health and safety legislation that warranted formal action. Mitra’s insurance company has begun legal proceedings, which she estimates could take up to two years to reach court.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This incident highlights a significant failure in adhering to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Mr. Rhodes should have sought a Section 80 Demolition Notice from the local council prior to demolishing part of the semi-detached house, an essential step in ensuring compliance with local regulations and preventing the resultant property damage to Ms. Mitra’s home. Clear communication and consultation with local authorities prior to undertaking such substantial works could have averted prolonged conflicts and damage, demonstrating the importance of adhering to planning laws and safety regulations.
To prevent similar situations, site managers and construction professionals should establish robust communication channels with local authorities and ensure all required permits and notices are obtained before commencing any work that may affect adjacent properties. Furthermore, engaging the services of a qualified planning consultant could provide invaluable guidance and ensure compliance with both health and safety legislation and local planning requirements, safeguarding against potential legal ramifications and damage to adjacent properties.
