Pensioner facing legal action after installing drive in front of his house

David Siggins, an 85-year-old pensioner from Rochford, Essex, faces potential legal action after converting a grass verge outside his home into a paved driveway. The change was intended to improve accessibility, particularly for Mr Siggins, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and uses two crutches to move around. The dispute has escalated following recent notices from Rochford Council demanding the removal of the driveway, which was installed nearly two years ago. Mr Siggins initially sought approval for the project from Rochford Council in 2024. According to his account, he was assured by local officials that the land was not under their control and that he could proceed with the installation. A written confirmation was provided, allowing him to pave the area. The driveway measures 3 meters wide by 5 meters long and cost approximately £2,200 to construct. However, shortly after completion, the council informed him that the land actually belonged to them and that the driveway must be removed. The controversy dates back further. In the early 2000s, Mr Siggins was granted permission by Essex Highways for a drop kerb, which he installed to aid his mobility. Three months later, he was unexpectedly told by Rochford Council that the kerb needed to be reinstated, and he was compensated for the inconvenience. This experience left him wary of future interactions with local authorities. In 2024, Mr Siggins again reached out to Essex County Council regarding the verge adjacent to his property, outlining his plans for a driveway. He claims he was directed by a planning officer at Rochford Council to consult Essex Highways, which reportedly denied involvement. Returning to Rochford Council, he was reassured that the land was not theirs and that he could proceed. He maintains that he followed the proper procedures and even obtained written confirmation of this guidance. Despite these assurances, a subsequent planning application was rejected, and an appeal against the decision was later dismissed, both outcomes of which Mr Siggins says he was unaware of. With a deadline approaching at the end of August, he has been notified that the driveway must be removed within a few weeks. The situation has taken a toll on his mental health, leading him to seek legal advice. Living with his partner and stepson, Mr Siggins notes that the neighborhood has 13 homes and 31 vehicles, many of which benefit from the additional parking space created by his driveway. He claims there have been no formal complaints from neighbors, though he acknowledges that council workers have recently started maintaining the verge more frequently since the dispute began. Rochford Council has stated that the core issue revolves around the ownership of the land and its classification as public open space. A spokesperson explained that the grass verge was part of a larger title subject to specific restrictions. The council emphasized that the planning application submitted by Mr Siggins was rejected, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed. They have given him until the end of August to decide how to proceed.