Paignton rooftop garden faces demolition order

The rooftop garden breaches health and safety rules, says the local authority

A watersports centre operator has been ordered to take down a rooftop garden on the grounds of health and safety.

Rob Wood built the garden on the roof of Broadsands Beach Watersports Centre in Paignton.

He said it was a haven for wildlife and was deterring anti-social behaviour.

Torbay Council, which leases the centre building site to Mr Wood, said any modifications to leased buildings "must comply with planning, structural safety, and health and safety regulations".

Garden creator Rob Wood says the garden is a haven for wildlife

Mr Wood said: "Everything is recycled or repurposed and the number of bees and butterflies has increased dramatically.

"This garden has had a hugely positive impact on the area, and also to many people's mental wellbeing, but is to be removed by council red tape.

"It’s heartbreaking."

He said that, since he started building the garden in March, there had been a drop in anti-social behaviour on the roof.

"Even the local yobs respect it," he said.

The roof terrace was strong enough to support the additions, said Mr Wood, who said he was a civil engineer.

A Torbay Council spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the efforts of a tenant on our property who has constructed a roof garden without prior permission.

"While we appreciate Mr Wood’s positive intentions, it is crucial to emphasise that any modifications to leased properties must comply with planning, structural safety, and health and safety regulations."

They added that it was "never our intention to limit initiatives for things such as gardens", but "as a responsible authority, we must ensure that all additions to our properties are safe and compliant with structural safety and health and safety regulations".

Allowing unapproved modifications which deviated from lease conditions "could pose potential risks to Mr Wood, the area, and all users of that area", they said, adding that the council hoped to "resolve this matter amicably".