THURROCK Council has gone public over its success in forcing a householder to remove a wall built around the front graden of a new property in East Tilbury.

A statement by the council says it is pleased with the action and regards it as highlighting the 'critical role' its enforcement team plays in maintaining aesthetic standards in the borough.

In late 2023, the council's enforcement team were informed about the building of the wall at 31 Lapwin Close, which is part of the  Persimmon "Boulevards" estate, constructed in 2016.  Similar homes on Lapwin now sell for around £350,00.

The council says the wall did not have authorisation and describes it as an eye-sore for neighbours and local residents.

A statement says: "The wall, which was constructed without the necessary planning permission, was entirely out of context with the design and appearance of the surrounding properties.

"Members of Thurrock Council's enforcement team quickly undertook site visits to address the issue.

The brick wall at 31 Lapwin Close.

"However, the occupier responsible for the unauthorised construction did not engage with the council's attempts to resolve the matter amicably.

"As a result, an enforcement notice was issued, requiring the removal of the non-compliant brick wall. 

"Despite the initial lack of co-operation from the occupier, Thurrock Council successfully established communication with the landowner to ensure they complied with the enforcement notice, leading to the eventual removal of the brick wall."

Cabinet member for good growth, Cllr Lee Watson said: "This case is a testament to the importance of upholding our planning regulations to maintain the character and integrity of our communities.

"Thurrock Council's dedication to resolving this issue ensures that the aesthetic standards of our Borough are preserved, benefiting all residents.

"We are proud of the crucial work our enforcement team does to protect the appearance and feel of our neighbourhoods, as well as the perseverance and professionalism they displayed in bringing this case to a successful conclusion."

The brick wall has since been removed following action by Thurrock Council's enforcement team.

The council's intervention on Lapwin is the second in East Tilbury it has commented on in recent weeks.

In July Thurock Nub News reported on court action over a massively dilapidated new build site on the lawns development on Princess Margaret Road, just a few hundred yards away from Lapwin Close.

Local residents and councillors had been protesting for several years about the state of that site.