Leeds resident claims home is unsellable after neighbour's illegal demolition

A resident in Pudsey, Leeds, claims her home has been rendered structurally unsafe and unsellable following the illegal demolition of half a shared semi-detached property by her neighbour. Shivarna Mitra, who purchased the three-bedroom house in 2021, reports that her neighbour, Chris Rhodes, demolished his portion of the building after tensions arose regarding renovation plans.

The demolition has caused significant environmental and structural damage to Ms. Mitra’s side of the property. She reports that rainwater has seeped through holes in the walls and roof, damaging electrical systems, carpets, and wallpaper. Additionally, the exposure has led to issues with damp, mould, and infestations of rats, squirrels, and wasps.

While Leeds City Council approved two planning applications for extensions in 2022 and eventually served a stop notice in May 2023, Ms. Mitra describes the regulatory intervention as ‘too little too late.’ She expressed that the ordeal has been a ‘nightmare’ that has impacted her health during her recovery from cancer.