Donington family's anxious wait over tree house decision

A family has their fingers crossed that a treehouse they’ve built in the garden will be given planning consent.

Ben and Victoria Baker were not aware that the play structure for their children Elsie (6) and Lily (3 today) needed prior planning permission.

Grandad Paul Baker spent his spare time every day for six weeks building the boat-themed playhouse in time for the summer - but the wind was taken out of the family’s sail with a knock at the door.

Ben, of Mill Lane, Donington, said: “Dad finished it about a month and a half ago and then the next day we had a council officer around saying we needed planning permission.

“We didn’t know it was needed. It’s a bit frustrating but if it’s required, it’s required. We don’t think it’s hurting anyone and you can’t see into other people’s gardens from it.”

The couple have since paid £225 to submit a retrospective planning application but are worried that building regulations consent might also be necessary.

Ben said: “If we need building regs we’ve decided that will be the end of the project and it will have to come down because that would cost another £400-£500.”

The couple hope that a change of colour scheme might be enough to satisfy planning officers at South Holland District Council.

“The children love the treehouse. They love being outside and spend a lot of time in it,” said Ben. “It’s been built around the tree - there’s actually only one fixing that goes into the tree.

“Dad wanted to add a slide but we’ll see how this goes before doing anything further."

Salesman Ben admitted that he did see the funny side of the planning application form.

“One of the questions is about whether there is a tree nearby which could fall and cause damage. Well, it’s in a tree!”

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