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A homeowner\u00a0has used Google Earth to keep decking he built in his garden after a planning permission dispute with a council. <\/p>\n
Gareth William Leek, from Pontypool, Torfaen, had been told a planning application was required for his decking years after it was built because it was about 50cm (20in) too far off the ground. <\/p>\n
Decking more than 30cm (12in) requires planning permission, but local authorities must take action within four years for most developments. <\/p>\n
A planning officer concluded there was no reason to doubt the decking had not been “substantially completed” for less than four years and Mr Leek’s certificate of lawful development was granted. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The application stated the decking had been completed in October 2017 and a statement from a neighbour supported Mr Leek’s claim it had been built since at least 2019, when they moved to St Augustine Road in Griffithstown, Pontypool. <\/p>\n
As part of his evidence, Mr Leek also dug out old photographs dating back to August 2017, when the raised wooden platform was constructed. <\/p>\n
The council planning department said the 4.84m wide, and 3.82m long, light grey composite decking was 83cm from the ground level, meaning it is just over half a metre over the height that requires planning approval, which is 30cm. <\/p>\n
Planning officer Simon Pritchard said the council accepted the evidence put forward by Mr Leek which included a Google Earth aerial photograph from June 2018.<\/p>\n
Mr Pritchard said the council did not have any evidence itself, or from anyone else, to contradict the information provided. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n