Roger White, 59, has committed nearly £18,000 to hire a security guard to protect a tiny two-brick-high wall from developers in Hempsted, Gloucester, who intend to demolish it. The wall, known locally as a “dwarf wall,” was built by his father, Ernie White, a former estate agent, and has been in Roger’s possession since 1997.
Developers Lioncourt Homes claim they need to remove the 52-year-old wall to create an emergency access route, a requirement tied to their planning permission for a housing project of 70 homes nearby. However, Roger insists the wall stands on land inherited from his father, backed by Land Registry documents from 1971 which contrast with developers’ 1964 ownership claims.
Roger has been paying around £150 daily since February to maintain security around the small structure. While he and Lioncourt Homes are currently in discussions to reach a compromise, Roger expresses a desire to preserve the wall’s legacy. Ideally, he hopes to sell the wall to the developers, salvage the bricks, and reconstruct it at his own home as a tribute to his father.
READ MORE: Traffic Congestion on A40 Following Crash and Road Closure - Live Updates
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson Left Embarrassed by Noisy Porsche During Somber Funeral Visit
He remarked, “If we come to an agreement and dismantle the wall, I’ll rebuild it at my house to honor my dad. I don’t want it simply discarded.” Roger also revealed that the ongoing dispute has deeply affected his life, describing it as a “distraction” that has dominated him for over a year.
The legal dispute centers on land ownership and rights of way. Gloucestershire County Council supports Lioncourt Homes’ position, stating the emergency vehicle access falls within land owned or adopted as highway by the developer. Meanwhile, Roger maintains his right to the land, emphasizing its investment value and the personal connection his father had with it, including the purchase of ‘ransom strips’—small plots of land held for potential future gain.
Lioncourt Homes asserts that all required access has been installed without using third-party land, and they deny any entitlement of a ransom payment toward the wall. Yet, Roger remains vigilant and committed to protecting the small but significant structure.