An 85-year-old pensioner from Rochford, Essex, is facing legal action after being ordered to remove a driveway he built on land owned by the council. David Siggins, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and uses two crutches, spent £2,200 transforming a grass verge into a block-paved driveway outside his home, believing he had permission. However, Rochford Council has told him the land belongs to the authority and must be restored to its original state.
Permission Claims and COPD Struggles
Siggins, a former tiler who has lived at the property for 42 years, said he was given permission by Rochford Council to build the driveway. He claimed that two years ago, he was told the land was not owned by the council, so he could proceed. 'This has made me quite ill,' he said. 'I cannot walk, that's the problem. I use two crutches. It just seems so unfair. It looks nice – it certainly looks better than the grass. Two years ago I was told they didn't own the land so I could do what I wanted with it. I did try.'
The dispute dates back 20 years, when Siggins was allegedly given permission by Essex Highways to build a dropped kerb outside his home. Three months after the work was completed, Rochford Council told him it wanted the kerb reinstated and paid him compensation. In 2024, he contacted Essex County Council about his plans to turn the verge into a driveway and was told the land was not under its control. 'I spoke to a very nice planning officer at Rochford Council who advised me to speak to Essex Highways. They told me it wasn't anything to do with them,' he said. 'I went back to Rochford Council and I was told they definitely didn't own it so I should go ahead. I have it in writing it was confirmed we could do it.'
Planning Refusal and Appeal Dismissal
Despite his claims, a planning application for the driveway was later refused, and an appeal was dismissed. Siggins says he was unaware of this at the time. Now, he has been given an order to remove the driveway. 'It's very stressful. It's getting me down,' he said. 'I've not had any complaints. The close we live in has 13 houses and there are 31 vehicles. They're all really relieved I've got [the driveway] as I can get my cars off the road as there's more space. I've got a solicitor involved.'
The council spokesperson said: 'The resident removed a grass verge owned by Rochford District Council to install a block-paved driveway. The council has received a number of complaints. The grass verge forms part of a larger title that is subject to restrictions due to its designation as public open space. A planning application for the work that was previously submitted by the resident had been refused and an appeal dismissed.'
Next Steps and Impact
The council has given Siggins until the end of August to consider how he wishes to proceed. He has already sought legal advice, and the outcome could result in legal action if he fails to comply with the order. The case highlights the importance of verifying land ownership before undertaking such works, even when verbal or written assurances are given.
