A DAD tonight told Fenland District Council they would forcibly remove his children’s playhouse “over my dead body”.

Simon Tandy, 39, and facing a legal threat to have the playhouse removed, warned: “The council need to get their priorities straight. They’re being petty and pathetic.

“Instead of coming round here and threatening me about this playhouse maybe they should put some street lights down our road as we haven’t got any.

“I refuse to do what they’ve asked and they’ll take it down over my dead body. I’m not violent but I am a proud man and I will fight for my kids.

“They’ve got to get past me and my dogs first and I’m certainly not paying for it to come down.”

The father of five will discover next Wednesday how far the council is prepared to go to remove the playhouse which they claim is too high and overlooks neighbours properties.

Gavin Taylor, the council’s planning compliance officer, will tell the planning committee that enforcement notices have been ignored and he wants councillors to agree to bring in contractors to remove the playhouse.

Mr Taylor plans to bring legal action against Mr Tandy, who owns a garage in Thorby Avenue, and will reclaim the costs of having the playhouse taken down.

Despite numerous visits and written requests “the owner has refused to comply” said Mr Taylor.

Mr Tandy, 39, of Silver Street March, said the playhouse was put up about a year ago and replaced an existing tree house that was removed along with its rotting tree. He built the new playhouse towards the back of the garden in hope of creating a similar safe haven for his children to play.

He said: “My life revolves around keeping my kids happy, healthy and safe and now they’re not allowed to have fun in their own home.

“There are too many young kids that take drugs and stay out late around here and I feel safer with my kids playing where I can see them.”

The father blames the council for allowing four properties to be built to the right-hand side of his building after he moved from London to enjoy a quieter rural life.

Mr Tandy said: “I lost my privacy when the council allowed those houses to be built.

“I understand that one window overlooks my neighbour’s garden but I spoke to him before I put the playhouse up and he said he was fine with it. I respect his privacy worries and am even happy to block the window off if it makes him happier.”

PANEL

In precise terms the council says Mr Tandy’s playhouse consists of a raised platform in excess of 300mm in height.

It stands at an overall height in excess of 2.5 metres “within two metres of the boundary of the curtilage of the dwelling house.

“As a result the structure contravenes Class E (d (ii) and g) of the town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order (Amended 20008).”