PETITION TO VICO HOMES

PLEASE ALLOW THE SHED IN OUR GARDEN TO REMAIN

We, the undersigned residents and supporters, respectfully ask Vico Homes to reconsider the decision requiring the removal of the shed in our garden in Netherton Wakefield. 

Vico Homes have stated they want the shed removed because they class the garden area as communal land and believe the shed exceeds the usual permitted size without formal permission.

However, many local residents strongly disagree with this decision and feel the situation is being handled unfairly and without proper consideration of the circumstances.

The garden areas throughout this estate have not been used as communal land for many years, with residents confirming this has been the case for well over 15–20 years. These spaces have long been enclosed, maintained, and treated as private gardens by households throughout the area. Historical aerial images also show these spaces have not functioned as communal areas for a very long time.

There are also many other properties on the estate with sheds and structures, including some with multiple sheds, and residents have stated they have never been required to obtain licences or formal permission. There are concerns that this situation is being dealt with inconsistently compared to other properties nearby.

The shed itself is not causing nuisance, obstruction, or disturbance to neighbours. Residents living nearby have confirmed they do not object to the shed remaining and do not see it as a problem within the community.

The household have repeatedly stated they are willing to cooperate fully and have already offered to pay any retrospective permission or licence fee required. They were originally advised when moving into the property that a shed of this size would be acceptable and therefore did not realise additional formal permission would be needed.

Representatives who attended the property also acknowledged that the shed was not too large for the size of the garden itself, with the structure taking up less than 14% of the available garden area.

Importantly, the shed is essential due to disability and health-related circumstances. It is used to store mobility equipment including a wheelchair, mobility scooter, and other necessary items, alongside general household storage due to limited space within the property.

The shed is also a vital safe space for a full-time carer who is struggling with severe depression, menopause symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and ongoing mental health difficulties whilst awaiting ADHD and autism assessments. Due to increasing caring responsibilities and deteriorating health within the household, the carer has had to leave employment and now receives very little respite or support.

This shed has become the only quiet and private space available where they are able to calm down, regulate emotionally, and have a small amount of peace away from the constant pressures of full-time caring responsibilities. There are genuine and serious concerns that forcing the shed to be removed would have a devastating impact on mental wellbeing and could significantly worsen an already fragile situation.

We therefore respectfully ask Vico Homes to show compassion, fairness, understanding, and consistency by allowing the shed to remain in place.

Thank you all for your help and please consider sharing to help us in anyway possible with this matter.

Hope you all have a wonderful day 😊