A home expert has issued a stark warning to Britons to secure their gardens as thunderstorms hit, cautioning that failure to do so could result in fines up to £1,000. Neil McKenzie, a home specialist at Halton Stairlifts, highlighted that homeowners could face penalties under the Highways Act 1980 if their unsecured outdoor belongings obstruct public walkways in stormy weather.
He said: “You should always ensure that you and your property comply with the law. When there are severe weather warnings, this becomes even more important, as non-compliance could put other people’s lives in danger.” McKenzie stressed the peril of strong winds which can transform loose items into dangerous loose items, threatening both individuals and structures. He pointed out that fines for garden clutter or overgrown plants encroaching on public pathways could reach £1,000, with repeated offences potentially incurring harsher punishments under the Highways Act 1980.
The expert advised: “Store your garden furniture, ornaments, and tools in a shed or garage. If that’s not possible, bring whatever you can indoors and securely anchor any remaining items to prevent them from moving or flying away during high winds.
“You should also consider trimming any overhanging branches or nearby trees, as these can cause significant damage if they break during a storm.”
He also urged the public to prepare an emergency kit, noting that despite taking all necessary measures, power outages and other urgent situations can still arise during extreme weather conditions, hence the importance of being ready for any eventuality.
Assemble an emergency kit containing essentials such as torches, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and some non-perishable food. It’s also wise to have a list of emergency contact numbers at the ready, including your utility providers and local services.
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at top home improvement experts Eurocell, emphasises that strict regulations must be adhered to when creating your new outdoor seating area.
Altering your garden’s layout could impact aspects such as retaining walls, drainage systems, pipework or neighbouring properties. It’s always wise to liaise with your local planning authority prior to making any changes. These authorities typically carry out inspections to ensure that any work doesn’t heighten flood risks or damage local ecosystems.
If your property alterations negatively impact your neighbours, such as causing their garden to flood, you could be issued an abatement notice by the local council. Disregarding this notice can result in fines of up to £5,000 for individuals or £20,000 for businesses.
If you proceed without planning permission and later find out it was necessary, you can apply for retrospective approval. The planning officer may then request you to amend your plans, even if the construction has already been finished. This can obviously be expensive. Furthermore, non-compliance with an enforcement notice is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution.
