Fined for demolishing wall

A HOME owner who fell foul of planning regulations after demolishing part of a red brick wall and pillar told a court he could not afford to restore it to its original condition.

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

Ateeq Latif said the structure at his home in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough was removed to provide easier access for his elderly father, who suffered from dementia.

A front garden was also removed and replaced with a hardstanding area at the property in Thornfield Road, which is in a conservation area. Middlesbrough Council refused a retrospective planning application for the changes and later issued an enforcement notice ordering Latif to restore the 4.8m long wall and pillar to its original condition with materials to match.

The 30-year-old, who represented himself at Teesside Magistrates' Court, admitted breaching the notice, but said he was pleading guilty under mitigating circumstances. He said: "My intention was never to circumvent the law, I acted out of general necessity and concern for my father’s welfare. The adaptations were to ensure his safety."