Gran who put shed in parking bay to protect mobility scooter told to remove it

09 August 2023 , 10:37

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Dorothy Slater says she desperately needs to keep the shed outside her flat in Colwyn Bay (Image: Media Wales)

A gran who put up a shed in her parking bay so she could store her mobility scooter is being forced to take it down after receiving complaints.

Dorothy Slater, 83, claims she installed the shed at the independent living facility after a member of staff said she could put it in her allocated car parking space in Colwyn Bay, Conwy.

Emeritus Homes plc, which is in charge of the apartments, has since told her she cannot keep the shed up because she doesn't have advanced planning permission.

But the former nurse says the 8ftx6ft structure is vital for her and another resident, who also uses it to store their mobility scooter.

The company, which operates the site as an 'independent living (facility) for the over 55s', insists she can have a replacement structure if plans are formally submitted and approved.

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Dorothy has received complaints over the shed (Media Wales)

Ms Slater, who used to be a State Enrolled Nurse at Llandudno Hospital, has rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. She told North Wales Live : "I was told verbally I could put the shed there but then they denied saying it and I got a letter asking me to remove it. I'm 83 and I need it there. My scooter had been under a sheet outside for 12 months before then and this shed has been up for five weeks. Two of us use it and it has a padlock."

Ms Slater, who has three children and three grandchildren, said she received a letter from Manchester-based Emeritus Homes Ltd. According to the gran, the letter said: "The car park is a communal facility with reserved parking bays. Any proposed additions must be agreed in writing with the landlord in advance. The shed has drawn criticism for its appearance and size. I must ask that the current structure is removed until such time as a proposition for a replacement is submitted and approved."

The Mirror has contacted Emeritus Homes for comment.

Earlier this year, a mum was instructed to lower her garden fence that she built in a bid to stop unwanted items being thrown over her garden in Bilston, Midlothian. She explained that condoms and used syringes were among the rubbish. However, she didn’t apply for permission and had only realised she had built it too tall when she put in a retrospective planning application.

Natalie said at the time: "It is ridiculous, the fence was raised to stop things being thrown in my garden and it looks much better than the old fencing or putting a hedge in, which would be allowed. It doesn't block any views on the road and is keeping my family safe. I even offered to put plants in front of it, but that was rejected."

Monica Charsley