An 80-year-old man has been prohibited from gardening outside his Norwich home and had his lawnmower temporarily confiscated following a disagreement with housing group Orbit over a one-foot-high picket fence.
Julian Phillips transformed a patch of what he described as a "mud field" outside his block of flats into a lawn and flower garden. However, Orbit raised concerns that the fence posed a "trip hazard" and ordered its removal, also instructing Mr. Phillips to cease tending the communal garden altogether. The housing association also took possession of his lawnmower for five days.
The dispute began approximately two months prior when Mr. Phillips started improving the grounds. He laid turf, planted flowers, and installed the low picket fence to prevent vehicles from driving over the newly established green space. Orbit subsequently wrote to Mr. Phillips, stating that the fence's "quality of workmanship raises safety concerns and does not meet the required specifications and standards." The fence was removed by workers three weeks later.
Orbit has informed residents that individual gardening efforts should cease, as communal grounds maintenance is handled by an appointed contractor. Mr. Phillips was advised to let the site's designated maintenance person manage upkeep.
Mr. Phillips expressed frustration, noting that no concerns were raised when he initially established the garden area in July. He also stated that Orbit had promised to reinstall a fence, but this has not yet occurred.
A spokesperson for Orbit acknowledged residents' desire to enhance communal areas. The association emphasized that their appointed contractor handles grounds maintenance for consistency and fairness, leading to the request for residents to refrain from personal maintenance activities.
Although Mr. Phillips' lawnmower has been returned, he has been informed that he must store it in his car rather than the communal storage area.