Carpenter Defends Demolition of Semi-Detached Home, Claims No Wrongdoing

Dispute Erupts Over Demolition of Semi-Detached Home in Leeds

A man has come under fire after he unlawfully demolished his half of a semi-detached residence in Pudsey, Leeds, claiming he is not a ‘neighbour from hell.’ His actions have reportedly left the adjoining property in disrepair, leading to severe implications for its owner.

Chris Rhodes, 47, faces accusations from former neighbour Shivarna Mitra, 44, who claims she experienced a prolonged ‘nightmare’ due to the demolition. Mitra, who continues to reside in the home with her young son and elderly mother, says her side is now plagued with dampness and deterioration, making her property unsellable.

Mitra asserts that Rhodes’s actions compromised the structural integrity of her home, rendering it unsafe and inaccessible for repairs. Having purchased her property in May 2021 and invested approximately £80,000 in renovations, including significant landscaping and kitchen improvements, she is now facing a daunting situation.

Rhodes, a self-employed carpenter who bought the semi-detached property for £280,000 in July 2022, defends his decision to demolish his side, attributing the fallout to complications with Mitra and the local council. He indicated that unfortunate circumstances led to the tumultuous situation and claimed to have made efforts to resolve it amicably.

“There were unfortunate circumstances that cost my wife and I a significant amount of money and stress,” Rhodes explained. However, he insists that Mitra was not equally cooperative during this conflict.

Rhodes initially requested planning permission for extensions in June and August 2022, which was granted. Work commenced in October, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control. After his roof was removed, Mitra reported substantial issues, noting that her home was left exposed to weather elements.

The situation escalated when Mitra involved Leeds City Council in January 2023, asserting that Rhodes was violating planning regulations. She contends that the council intervened, asking Rhodes to halt his work—a claim he refutes.

Despite the growing tensions, Rhodes sold the land earlier this year for £115,000, having never built a replacement home. He cited concern for his family’s well-being as a primary reason for the sale, alleging that Mitra actively sought to impede his construction efforts.

Mitra, for her part, insists Rhodes’s demolition procedures introduced significant hazards to her property. She highlighted the considerable damage inflicted, claiming that the lack of proper protections allowed pests to invade her home and led to electrical damage and other issues.

In May 2023, after a prolonged back-and-forth, Leeds City Council issued Rhodes a stop notice. Rhodes claims to have complied fully but believes that safety was his foremost concern throughout the ordeal. He stated that he acted under advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to make the site secure, although contradicting statements were made regarding planning permissions.

Mitra has also not shied away from detailing her grievances, asserting that the situation has severely strained her family, which was intended to thrive in what she once thought was a ‘dream’ home.

As the saga continues, both parties maintain their narratives, with Rhodes denying accusations of aggression and claiming that the council had failed to provide adequate assistance for his building project. Mitra refutes his claims of her abusive behavior during disputes over the property.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council acknowledged the unauthorized demolition, stating it had been assessed and confirmed that the adjoining property remained structurally stable. The council underscored the importance of contractual compliance and advised Mitra to seek legal counsel regarding her issues.

The HSE confirmed their involvement and advised on scaffolding, but no formal enforcement actions were necessary during their visit.