Andrew Ewart-James has faced a frustrating battle for nearly two decades over a failing retaining wall in his South Woodchester garden that threatens to collapse into a council-owned car park. Since the wall shifted by four inches in 2019, Stroud District Council has erected scaffolding costing taxpayers over £100,000 to prevent further subsidence—but a permanent fix remains elusive.
Mr. Ewart-James, 79, purchased Home Farm in 1977 and has lived with the unstable wall ever since. Following the death of his wife in early 2024, he sought to sell the £1 million property to downsize and settle his children’s inheritance. However, the extensive scaffolding around his garden has trapped him in a home he is unable to sell.
Despite repeated concerns, the council has made little progress in resolving the situation. Mr. Ewart-James reports no meaningful updates in the past 18 months and now contemplates legal action. “They just left the scaffolding in the yard. It’s a disgrace. It feels like the council doesn’t care,” he said.
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The council-owned car park next door remains heavily used, with vehicles increasing in size and weight, contributing to ongoing pressure on the wall. Former Labour County Councillor Lesley Williams highlighted the mounting costs following a freedom of information request, revealing expenses of £368 weekly, totaling nearly £100,000 as of November 2025. She warned the bill could balloon to £1 million and denounced the council’s handling as a taxpayer-funded scandal.
Stroud District Council acknowledges delays, citing disagreements with Mr. Ewart-James' structural engineer in late 2024. Both parties appointed independent Party Wall surveyors, reaching agreement on proposals by March 2025. Currently, the council is finalizing a license with Mr. Ewart-James to proceed with repairs.
A council spokesperson stated, “Once the license is completed, we will swiftly appoint contractors and schedule the necessary works. We remain committed to resolving this issue promptly and are working collaboratively with Mr. Ewart-James and his representatives.” With solicitors now involved, further comments have been withheld as legal steps unfold.