David Siggins, an 85-year-old disabled pensioner, has been ordered by Rochford Council to remove a £2,200 driveway he constructed over a grass verge outside his home in Rochford, Essex. The council states the land is public open space and the driveway was built without planning permission. Mr. Siggins, who uses crutches due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, claims he was led to believe he had permission to build the 3m by 5m driveway.
He stated that approximately two years ago, he was informed by Rochford Council that they did not own the land and he could proceed. Mr. Siggins also recounted a 20-year history of interactions with local authorities regarding access to his property. He received permission for a dropped kerb two decades ago, but the council later requested it be reinstated, compensating him for the inconvenience. More recently, in 2024, he contacted Essex County Council about the verge, only to be told it was not under their control.
Mr. Siggins maintains he spoke with a planning officer at Rochford Council who advised him to contact Essex Highways. After Essex Highways stated it was not their responsibility, he returned to Rochford Council, where he was allegedly told they did not own the land and he should proceed with construction. He claims to have written confirmation of this approval.
However, a subsequent planning application for the driveway was refused, and an appeal was dismissed. Mr. Siggins stated he was unaware of either the refusal or the dismissed appeal. He received notice a few weeks ago that the driveway must be removed by the end of August.
Mr. Siggins, a former tiler who has lived at the property for 42 years, described the situation as highly stressful and detrimental to his health. He noted that the grass verge had largely been maintained by him and his stepson. He also pointed out that the driveway has eased parking congestion in his close, with residents expressing relief over the additional space.
A spokesperson for Rochford Council confirmed that the resident had removed a grass verge owned by the council to install the driveway. The council cited a number of complaints received and reiterated that the verge is part of a larger title subject to restrictions as public open space. The authority has given Mr. Siggins until the end of August to decide how to proceed.