Scum local council

Escapee · 24-01-2006, 20:35

After a meeting with the council where I raised my concerns regarding a development on land and property purchased (in error by them) next door, they have done exactly what they said "couldn't possibly happen.

I visited the planning department to view the development plans and told them I was concerned they were going to knock down the building next door by gaining access through my property, without my permission and cause damage. The planning officer said "The only development work allowed was inside the area covered by the plans submitted, and the building next door was not in the red shaded development are of the application" He also stated "if there is any application to demolish the property, you will legally have to be informed because of the party wall" This information was also repeated at a meeting between the council and residents a few weeks later, by the chairman of the council and also the mayor in attendance.

Guess what, I came home from work tonight to find the have been into my garden with a bulldozer. They have demolished the property next door, demolished my old shed and bulldozed the contents including a couple of engines for my classic cars and my large grit blasting cabinet. They didn't need to go through my property to demolish next door, but I believe they did it with the sole intention of destroying the evidence of the old boundry fence. I had not replaced the old damaged fence because I thought they may think I was trying to pull a fast one and move the boundry, now they have removed the evidence of the boundry.

I believe from discussions with the council, that they didn't really know where their property ended. In fact they thought they owned the piece of my land that they have now bulldozed, this land is clearly marked on my deeds dating back to 1835 and has never been disputed by anyone. I had to point out to them previously that this piece of land was mine, after being tipped off that they had submitted early plans for a dwelling on it.

Now I have to take tomorrow off work unpaid to tackle both the contractors when they turn up, and create hell with the council.

Halcyon · 24-01-2006, 20:43

I too think that the council often try anything to get what they want.
All I can say to you is Good luck for dealing with them tommorow. I hope you make yourself heard.

Paul · 24-01-2006, 20:44

I hope you reported the damage, tresspass etc to the Police. Take plenty of photos too so that they can't deny what happened.

Chimaera · 24-01-2006, 20:48

Go to the council tomorrow and ask to speak to the Chief Executive, tell him/her what has happened and tell them you are going to the local press with the story. They should certainly agree to see you PDQ and get something sorted. I'd still go to the press anyway, our local paper likes nothing more to find stories casting the local government in a less than favourable light.
Good luck.

Aragorn · 24-01-2006, 20:51

I would get a solicitor round asap.

I know it's tempting to shout & rant but usually you will get more done (ie compensation) if you do it legally.

Don't speak to the contractors without someone independent present, pref your brief! And as Paul says, plenty of photos.

Hom3r · 24-01-2006, 20:58

use a camcorder covertly aswell?

Scarlett · 24-01-2006, 21:04

Private eye, document the whole sorrid tale and have it ready to post in case they try/manage to wriggle out of it.

Escapee · 24-01-2006, 21:11

I was already very pee'd off after Fridays incident. I took the day off work for a skip to be delivered, they failed to deliver twice on Friday and again Saturday because they couldn't gain access up the street. The helpful council removed the double yellow lines from both sides of the road, so the inconsiderate neighbours can park both sides, and sod off out leaving just enough room for a transit to squeeze through if guided.

I am now going to take my mates advice and save myself ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£75, he has given me the mobile number of the gypsies who he says are fairly OK to have around here. He said they will bring their transit tipper and take it away for ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£25, then dispose of it on the side of some quiet road.

Thats something I would of never considered, but with the council causing me all this hassle things are looking different.

Chimaera · 24-01-2006, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escapee

I am now going to take my mates advice and save myself ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£75, he has given me the mobile number of the gypsies who he says are fairly OK to have around here. He said they will bring their transit tipper and take it away for ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£25, then dispose of it on the side of some quiet road.

Be very careful doing that! The council round here are very hot on fly tipping, and have patrols out looking for this sort of thing, also be very careful that there is absolutely nothing that can link you to the rubbish - if anything is found they will prosecute you!

Escapee · 24-01-2006, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chimaera

Be very careful doing that! The council round here are very hot on fly tipping, and have patrols out looking for this sort of thing, also be very careful that there is absolutely nothing that can link you to the rubbish - if anything is found they will prosecute you!

Theres no paperwork/addressed etc, if I cant get a skip delivered it could be my only option. The local refuse tip will not let me take a trailer in. I had 4 skips last year and it was a nightmare getting them up the street.

Angua · 24-01-2006, 23:56

These are the bods to contact. Your Local Council appears to have behaved very badly. Keep and get more pictures of the problem as ammunition. If you have an opposition councillor available use them, if not try and find out who is keen to get elected and try them.
Try and see the local plan for your area, this should tell you what sort of development is allowed and where.

BTW I am a local councillor who sits on the planning committee (just not your area).

TheDaddy · 25-01-2006, 02:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

I hope you reported the damage, tresspass etc to the Police. Take plenty of photos too so that they can't deny what happened.

Isn't this criminal damage, you may even get someone locked up for a short while at least. I know that would make me feel better.

etccarmageddon · 25-01-2006, 08:01

the police wont want to get involved - they'll say it's a civil matter.

Ramrod · 25-01-2006, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

the police wont want to get involved - they'll say it's a civil matter.

So someone can drive a bulldozer through your property, demolishing bits of it and the police won't want to know?

etccarmageddon · 25-01-2006, 08:27

I suspect as it's been done by someone taking orders from the council, the cops will consider it a civil dispute etc and not an act of criminality but I'm no expert. I would certainly go down to the cop shop and file a complaint for trepass, criminal damage etc - licence plates, photos etc are needed but I can't see the CID being bothered when they can point you in the direction of the council and tell you to sue.