A homeowner in Chepstow has been told to partially dismantle her garden’s massive decking after a council investigation. Belinda Klugah Cavill argued the structure was more than 20 years old, making it exempt from enforcement. But Monmouthshire County Council found evidence to the contrary using photos from estate agent websites! The snaps showed her decking was quite different between 2013 and 2023, conflicting with her claims.
Initially tipped off by a citizen in 2023, the council issued an enforcement notice in March this year, demanding the raised decking be cut down due to its lack of proper planning permission. Ms Cavill made a last-ditch effort to oppose the notice, taking the case to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). However, an independent inspector, Richard Jenkins, backed the council’s evidence.
Jenkins noted the photos from property sites clearly showed differences over the years and were critical in determining that the decking hadn’t been around long enough to dodge planning rules. The council wasn’t able to locate the initial complaint that led to the investigation but insisted public wellbeing was at stake due to the unauthorised work. Though the exact date of the new decking’s completion couldn’t be pinpointed, the inspector concluded it was likely not in place before May 2021.
While Ms Cavill’s appeal was rejected, the enforcement notice was slightly modified. The council vowed to continue with the action, citing alleged public harm caused by the changes. Though some may say it’s just decking drama, this tale serves as a stark reminder—always get your planning permissions sorted!