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A pensioner has been ordered to tear down the extension he built to help his disabled wife or face criminal prosecution.
Ross Drysdale spent £6,000 building the sheltered walkway on the side of his two-bedroom bungalow in October 2024 to give wife Victoria more freedom following a severe stroke.
The 73-year-old did not get planning permission for the structure after being told by a building inspector that it conformed with Building Regulations.
But he has now been told by council officials that, since he has not complied with brickwork requirements, he has until March 23 to remove it all from the property in Christchurch, Dorset, or he could be taken to court.
The enforcement notice states that it would be ‘in the public interest’ to proceed with a prosecution if there is non-compliance.
Mr Drysdale accused Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council of treating him ‘like a criminal’ and showing a ‘lack of compassion’ to the plight of his wife of 37 years who suffered a severe stroke 11 years ago.
One of her only pleasures in life is grooming their two dogs in the walkway while the light comes in and the extension means she is protected from the elements.
The covered walkway, made of timber with a polycarbonate roof, also houses her mobile electric scooter, walker and a washing machine.
Ross Drysdale and his wif of 37 years Victoria, who suffered a severe stroke 11 years ago
Ross spent £6,000 building a sheltered walkway on the side of their home October 2024 to give Victoria more freedom. But he has since been told to tear it down
Ross and Victoria’s two-bedroom bungalow in Christchurch, where the extension can be seen to the left of the house
Mr Drysdale, who previously worked with adults with special needs, said: ‘I’ve received a letter of deconstruction telling me I’ve got to take it down by March 23 or they will sue me.
‘The council have been heavy handed throughout the whole procedure. They need a bit more compassion.
‘How many other people are they doing this to? I’ve done nothing wrong.
‘I can’t let them roll me and other people over. It is immoral. I’m not a criminal. I don’t know what to do, to be honest.
‘It’s been relentless and I’ve gone from feeling bad to worse to totally stressed. I feel like I’m being hung, drawn and quartered.
‘I would like (BCP Council) to go away, leave us to live our lives quietly and comfortably.
‘This situation is taking its toll on me and my wife, who 11 years ago had a severe stroke to her brain.
‘Really, all my wife has left is her two dogs. She enjoys washing and grooming them as she has done for years and to have the light and protection from the elements whilst grooming is a treat for her.’
Ross Drysdale and wife Victoria in front of the extension, which the council have ordered he tear down by March 23
The 73-year-old (above) did not get planning permission for the extension after being told by a building inspector that it conformed with Building Regulations
A spokesperson for BCP Council said it is the responsibility of the developer and their professional advisers to ensure that the correct materials are used and that the work complies with any approved plans and conditions, as well as Building Regulations.
They said a planning enforcement notice was first issued on July 31 last year, giving the Drysdales six months to complete the works.
The council said it could not comment further due to the live planning enforcement notice against the structure.
The enforcement notice reads: ‘Unless full compliance with the Notice is achieved within 28 days of the date of this letter (23rd March 2026) the Council intends to commence criminal proceedings under section 179 TCPA 1990 without further notice.
‘This is consistent with national planning guidance on ensuring effective enforcement in the public interest.’
