A property developer in southeast London has run into a planning dispute after installing a section of the Berlin Wall in his garden. Steve Thorpe, 65, purchased the 3.1-meter slab of the historic concrete structure and had it transported over 650 miles from Germany to his home in Dulwich, London.

Following the installation, a neighbour lodged a complaint with Southwark Council, citing a lack of planning permission for the structure. The council has since launched an investigation into whether the wall segment can remain. Thorpe stated that he is uncertain of his next steps if retrospective planning permission is not granted, noting the significant cost and effort involved in transporting and installing the wall.

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Thorpe discovered the piece of the wall after learning that a grain farmer was using hundreds of sections to line sheds. He traveled to Germany with a friend to select a piece, opting for a graffiti-covered segment after a more significant section was reserved for an exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate. The process of acquiring export and import licenses, along with the logistical challenge of transporting the heavy segment, proved considerable.

IMAGE3 Mr Thorpe said of the structure: 'Because it weighs so much, we had to make a dolly to get it down and use lots and lots of machines and winches to get it through the garden'

Thorpe considers the wall a significant historical artifact, describing the fall of the wall as the most impactful event of his lifetime. He mentioned that children from the neighborhood visit to view the structure, and he has prepared informational pamphlets. He also noted that most of his neighbors appear supportive.

IMAGE6 Mr Thorpe pictured with the section of the wall which can be seen from the front door of his house

The Berlin Wall, originally known as the Iron Curtain, was erected by East Germany in August 1961 to prevent its citizens from defecting to the West. It stood for 28 years until November 1989, when a mistakenly announced travel law led to crowds gathering at the border, ultimately resulting in the wall's opening and subsequent demolition, paving the way for German reunification.

IMAGE2 The section is now at the centre of a planning dispute involving Southwark Council

A spokesperson for Southwark Council confirmed that a planning complaint had been received and stated that the council would investigate and take appropriate action in line with national planning processes. The neighbour who filed the complaint was approached for comment.