Disabled access ramp must go, widower told
AWIDOWER who had a ramp built so he and his late disabled wife could get into their home was told to take it down or face enforcement action.
Sam Rigby, 64, had the access route built at his house in Marple because his wife Philippa had lung cancer and could not use the existing steps in her wheelchair.
She sadly died of the condition last month but Sam has his own health problems which limit his mobility and meaning he, too, will need to use the adaptation.
A few weeks before Philippa’s death the council wrote to Sam following a complaint that the ramp and its associated decking overlooked another property.
The letter gave him a deadline to get rid of the construction, which is the same height as four steps, or face enforcement action - including in court.
Sam said: “I was told to take everything down, they even said I might have used asbestos, as if I would have had something made for my wife who had cancer - with that in.
“It was terribly distressing, they were denying my wife access to her own home. The letter was dreadful, it’s tone was very bombastic.
“There is no overlooking, the house next door is higher than ours.”
Sam, originally from Heaton Norris, currently lives in another house on Werneth Low, between Romiley and Hyde. The retired builder has had cancer himself, which has left him with an ulcerated left leg and diminishing mobility.
Sam and Philippa, also 64, had bought the house in Marple, on Oakdene Road, 15 years ago and had made plans to move to this less remote location because of their deteriorating health.
As part of this Sam had begun getting the property renovated until the council’s letter put a brake on the work.
It arrived in early February but stated the ramp must be taken down by January 27. This deadline was then extended until the end of March.
Sam has sought legal advice and the council has now softened its stance, asking him to submit a retrospective planning application. Previously it had said one would be refused outright.
Caroline Simpson, from the council, said: “We are currently discussing the unauthorised raised decking with the occupier’s agent.”