Andrew Ewart-James has endured decades of frustration over a problematic retaining wall in the garden of his £1 million Home Farm property in South Woodchester. Since purchasing the farmhouse in 1977, the 79-year-old has lived with the looming threat of subsidence linked to a council-owned car park adjacent to his home.
The trouble escalated in 2019 when the retaining wall shifted four inches, prompting Stroud District Council to erect scaffolding to prevent the car park from collapsing into Mr Ewart-James' garden. Now, over £100,000 of taxpayer money has been spent on scaffolding that remains in place, effectively trapping the homeowner and severely impacting his ability to sell the property.
Mr Ewart-James revealed his predicament in July 2024 following the death of his wife, expressing his desperate desire to sell the house so he can downsize and ensure his children receive their inheritance. However, he feels stuck due to the persistent presence of scaffolding and a frustrating lack of progress from the council.
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“The scaffolding was just plopped into my yard and left there,” he lamented. “It’s a disgrace. It feels like the council simply doesn’t care.” He also voiced concerns over the increasing size and weight of vehicles using the council car park, which adds to the risk of further damage.
Former Labour County Councillor Lesley Williams uncovered through a freedom of information request that the council has been spending £368 weekly on the scaffolding, with bills reaching £99,747.32 as of November 9. She warned the total cost could balloon to £1 million, criticizing the council for what she called a failure to acknowledge responsibility.
“It’s taxpayers’ money wasted due to the council’s inaction,” Ms. Williams stated. “By the time this issue is resolved, it could become a massive scandal.”
In response, Stroud District Council acknowledged delays in late 2024 caused by disagreements with Mr Ewart-James’ structural engineer over design plans. Both parties appointed independent Party Wall surveyors, and by March 2025, proposals were agreed upon.
The council is currently working on a licence agreement with Mr Ewart-James to enable the necessary repairs. Once finalized, contractors will be appointed and work scheduled promptly. The council also noted that Mr Ewart-James has engaged solicitors, limiting further comment, but emphasized their commitment to resolving the matter swiftly and collaboratively.