A Leeds homeowner has been facing ongoing difficulties after the neighboring semi-detached house was demolished, leaving her property exposed and compromised. Shivarna Mitra, 44, purchased her three-bedroom home in Pudsey in May 2021 for £217,000 and invested an additional £80,000 in renovations. She lived there with her young son and elderly mother when the neighboring property, previously owned by an elderly woman, was sold to Chris Rhodes in July 2022 for £280,000.

Following the sale, Rhodes submitted two planning applications for extensions to Leeds City Council in June and August 2022, both of which were approved. Mitra alleges that Rhodes used these approvals as justification to illegally demolish his house, a claim Rhodes denies. According to Mitra, the demolition left her semi-detached home exposed to the elements, with holes in the walls and roof allowing rain and pests, including rats, to enter. She reports that water infiltration has caused dampness and mold throughout the house, and electrical wires have been damaged.

Mitra says the issues have been exacerbated by a lack of access to the adjacent vacant plot, preventing necessary repairs and raising concerns about the structural integrity of her property. The prolonged disruption occurred during her recovery from cancer, adding to the strain she described as a “nightmare.” She estimates the damage has left the home potentially unsaleable and expresses frustration over mounting problems she cannot resolve without cooperation.

Rhodes contends that demolition was necessary after a storm rendered a gable wall unsafe. He maintains that actions taken to remove parts of his property were carried out following Health and Safety Executive guidance to prevent risks to others. The homeowner denies that his work caused damage to Mitra’s house.

Leeds City Council confirmed that the neighboring property’s demolition occurred without the required permissions after inspectors identified concerns about structural instability. The council stated that the building itself “remained structurally stable” during assessment and issued a stop notice to Rhodes in May 2023. Mitra criticized the timing of this response, suggesting earlier intervention might have mitigated the damage.

The vacant plot has since been sold with existing planning permission for £115,000 to a new set of owners. Mitra reports challenges in engaging with the new owners regarding access and resolution. The council has advised Mitra to contact her house insurer and seek legal counsel to address ongoing issues related to her home.