Bollywood Actor Faces Bulldozer After Garden Raised 1.4 Meters Without Permission

Sumeet Singh Sarao, a Bollywood actor, is facing the potential demolition of his garden by bulldozers after raising its ground level by 1.4 meters without obtaining the necessary planning permission. The dispute with Telford and Wrekin Council has been ongoing for six years at his £900,000 home in Shropshire.

Council officials are demanding that Sarao lower the garden to 1.6 meters, which is 20 centimeters below its original level before the landscaping work was completed in 2020. The council claims the altered garden height has resulted in an "unacceptable" loss of privacy for his neighbors, despite the boundary being lined with trees and bushes.

Sarao stated that he raised the lower section of his garden to match the existing higher ground, effectively leveling the plot. He refutes the council's assertion that the work impacted neighbor privacy, pointing out a dense hedge along the boundary that already obstructs views. He also humorously noted that a step-ladder would be required for anyone to see over the fence into his garden.

He offered several compromises, including planting more trees and bushes to enhance the privacy screen, but claims the council rejected all suggestions. Sarao proposed replacing the existing hedge with a continuous row of conifers, which he felt would create a more robust privacy barrier. However, the council deemed this proposal too "bulky."

Sarao has invested approximately £8,000 to £9,000 in the garden and expressed distress over the situation, feeling he is being unfairly treated. He fears that if he does not comply with the order, the council may carry out the excavation work themselves and charge him for the costs, which he believes would involve unnecessary disruption and potentially require the removal of walls to access the site with heavy machinery.

The enforcement notice was supported by an independent planning inspector following an appeal in September 2025. A council spokesperson confirmed that an enforcement notice was upheld and a compliance period was granted. However, the required remedial works have not been completed, and the site remains in breach of planning control.

The council is now considering further formal action, which could include prosecution or carrying out the work in default. "Whilst our preference remains to secure voluntary compliance, there comes a point where the Council must act to uphold the planning system and protect the amenity of neighbouring residents," a spokesperson stated. The council has requested a timetable for the remedial work and has offered to meet with Sarao to resolve the matter.