Dorset pensioner faces court action over walkway built for disabled wife
A pensioner has been ordered to dismantle a £6,000 outhouse he built to help his disabled wife; local authorities threatened criminal prosecution if he did not comply.
Ross Drysdale, 73, built a sheltered walkway at his Christchurch bungalow in October 2024, aiming to give his wife Victoria greater independence after a massive stroke.
Mr Drysdale was informed by a building inspector that the building complied with the Building Regulations but had not received planning permission.
Now BCP Council officials have notified it that the extension does not meet brickwork requirements and have given it until March 23 to remove the extension.
Failure to comply may lead to a court order with an enforcement notice stating that prosecution would be in the “public interest”.
Mr Drysdale accused BCP Council of treating him “like a criminal” and showing a “lack of compassion” for his wife’s situation.
Mr Drysdale’s wife of 37 years suffered a severe stroke 11 years ago. He said one of his only pleasures in life was grooming his two dogs on the sidewalk as the light came in and protecting himself from the elements.
The covered walkway made of wood with a polycarbonate roof also includes mobile electric scooters, walkers and washing machines.
Mr Drysdale, who has previously worked with adults with special needs, said: “I received a deconstruction letter telling me I had to remove it by March 23 or they would sue me.
“The council has been very slow throughout the entire procedure.
“They need a little more TLC.”
He said he was “not guilty” and felt like he was being persecuted.
“It was a brutal process and I went from feeling bad to worse to completely stressed,” she said.
“I want (the BCP Council) to go away and let us live our lives quietly and comfortably.”
He said all Victoria had left were her two dogs.
“He enjoys washing and grooming them, as he has done for years, and it is a pleasure for him to be protected from light and weather while he cares.”
A spokesman for BCP Council said it was the responsibility of the developer and their professional advisers to ensure the correct materials were used and that the work complied with approved plans and conditions and Building Regulations.
They said the planning application notice was first published on July 31, 2025 and Drysdales was given six months to complete the works.
The council said it could not comment further due to the live planning application notice for the building.
The enforcement notice states: “If the Notice is not fully complied with within 28 days from the date of this letter (23 March 2026), the Council intends to take criminal action under section 179 of the TCPA 1990 without further notice.
“This is consistent with national planning guidance to ensure effective implementation in the public interest.”
