Full Breakdown
Leeds Mother’s Home Severely Damaged After Neighbor Demolishes Half of Semi-Detached House
By Drooid · · How we work
The Demolition and Its Immediate Impact
In Pudsey, West Yorkshire, Shivarna Mitra reports that her neighbour removed the roof and walls of his side of their shared semi-detached property, leaving her three-bedroom home exposed to the elements. The demolition created large gaps through which rats, squirrels and wasps entered, and caused water ingress, mould and damp that she says is affecting her son’s chest and her own health. The damage has rendered the house “structurally unsafe” in her view, and she cannot access the adjoining land to carry out repairs.
Background and Financial Investment
Mitra bought the house for £217,000 in May 2021, describing it as her “forever home.” Over the next 18 months she spent £80,000 on renovations, including a £35,000 garden with astroturf and a new kitchen. The adjoining plot was sold to the neighbour for £280,000 in July 2022. After the demolition, Mitra’s monthly heating bill rose to around £630 as she runs radiators and portable heaters at full capacity during winter.
Official Statements & Responses
Leeds City Council confirmed the demolition occurred “without necessary permissions” but said inspectors found the remaining structure “structurally stable.” The council advised Mitra to contact her insurer and seek legal advice, adding it will continue to monitor the site. Mitra’s insurer has filed a legal claim; she estimates the case is roughly two years from reaching court. The neighbour later sold the cleared plot, with planning permission, for £115,000, alleging unfair treatment by the council.
Data & Statistics
Verbatim Quotes
- “Water has got in through the roof and holes in the wall and has caused mould and damp, affecting my son's chest and my health but no one cares.” — Shivarna Mitra
- “I was really chuffed when I bought it - but the whole ordeal has been a nightmare and it's caused me to be very ill.” — Ms Mitra
- “I spent a lot of money to turn this into a house of my dreams but now I have nothing to show for it.” — Ms Mitra
- “He had pulled down his side of the party wall and the breeze blocks meaning I only had a layer of bricks protecting my house from the outside. The council have a duty of care to its residents - I have not felt that way.” — Ms Mitra