Family told to take down teenage son's playhouse on stilts

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

James Tolley, 13, of Pinner, has used the 5.45 metre-tall garden hut as a den for two years. But after a complaint from a neighbour the council has ordered it be taken down and has refused an application for retrospective planning permission.

His father, Neil, said today: "My son loves it. He's going to be very upset. I think the council has been spiteful."

Garden buildings require planning permission if they are more than four metres tall or cover more than half the garden.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton said Harrow would not allow large structures to be built in people's back gardens without approval.

She added: "Everyone remembers treehouses from their childhood but a treehouse earns that name by being in a tree - you can't build a large shed on stilts next to a tree and call it a treehouse. If these structures are big enough to overlook other properties, you can get complaints from neighbours. Everyone wants to enjoy the summer outside with their children and we can all do that by remembering a few common-sense rules."