A dad says his son was 'nearly in tears' after the council ordered him to take down a treehouse.
Tom Shaw spent weeks building the treehouse in the front garden of his home in Bexhill, but shortly after completing it he was hit with a council order telling him to take it down.
Tom's sons Finlay, 11, Jack, nine, and five-year-old Harry were left gutted by the decision.
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Tom, 40, told SussexLive: "It's ridiculous, it's just a treehouse. I didn't give it a second thought when I built it.
"They [his three children] were all upset. Finley nearly cried, he had tears in his eyes.
"He said he's really proud of the treehouse and loves it, especially because it's made from reclaimed wood."
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Tree surgeon Tom believes that a local resident must have complained to the council but is unsure who because he says it's proved to be a hit with his neighbours.
He added: "Our neighbours are all up for it, we all get on.
"Whenever we're out, cars always stop. We always hear people say how amazing it is.
"We haven't had one negative comment to our faces."
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In the order, Tom was told he had 14 days to remove the treehouse or a planning officer would have 'no alternative but to consider taking enforcement action'.
Finlay decided to write a letter, which has since been pinned outside the family's home, telling neighbours that his beloved treehouse will be dismantled in the coming days.
He wrote: "I'm sorry to say that this treehouse will be gone soon.
"A member of the public complained about it and we got a letter from the council that we have to take it down.
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"We are really sad and annoyed because my dad has put a lot of work into this.
"I hope you all love this and you can take pictures if you would like to.
"You might see us taking it down soon. Sadly, we need permission to have this in our front garden.
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"It's not even overhanging the pavement or road. I'm so upset that someone has complained about it.
"We hope you are all sad too. There has been a lot of positive comments from people and from cars driving past."
A petition to save the treehouse has picked up more than 350 signatures.
A Rother District Council spokesperson told LADbible: "A concerned resident contacted us about the treehouse, and due to its size and location in the front garden of the property near the pavement, we have asked Mr Shaw to remove the structure. At the same time we encouraged Mr Shaw to make contact with us directly so we can explain our concerns and provide advice on any future plans he may have. Unfortunately Mr Shaw has not made contact with the council as yet."
Topics: UK News