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Furious residents told to replace grass over unwanted driveway that their NEIGHBOUR built

Residents in an historic village have reacted with fury after they were ordered to replace the grass over a 150ft driveway that they didn’t even want.

Homeowners on the Miller Walk cul-de-sac in Bathampton, Somerset, have been embroiled in a bitter planning row with neighbour Valerie Vivian that has lasted an astonishing 20 years.

The 70-year-old has applied six times to build houses on land behind the sleepy cul-de-sac - and been denied permission six times.

However, in July this year she tore up jointly-owned turf and started laying a gravel track to the would-be development anyway - ignoring pleas from horrified locals for her to stop.

Drive: Valerie Vivian tore up the grass despite being denied planning permission (SWNS)

In a desperate bid to prevent the picturesque lawn being destroyed, Mrs Vivian’s neighbours dialled 999 and four officers turned up to calm the commotion.

But instead of ordering Mrs Vivian to drop her shovel, they instead allowed her to complete the illegal 150ft drive, threatening to arrest anyone who tried to intervene.

Now, two months after 10ft-wide path was laid, the angry residents have been ordered by Bath and North East Somerset to repair the damage done by their neighbour.

Because the cost of hiring labourers would be too high, the residents - mostly over 65s - will have to resort to carrying out the work by themselves.

Dispute: Police were called once residents saw the work taking place (SWNS)

Former Conservative councillor and RAF pilot Terry Gazzard, 72, who has lived in Miller Walk for four years with his wife Gill, 70, said he and other residents pleaded with Mrs Vivian to stop the work as soon as they saw what was happening.

Mr Gazzard said: “We have asked Mrs Vivian to repair the damage her family caused but had no reply.

"She ignores us and continues to behave in this anarchic manner with the Council unable or unwilling to stop her ridiculous and very expensive attempts to build on designated green space land.”

The disputed plot, which sits in the middle of the cul-de-sac, is jointly owned by nine homeowners in Miller Walk.

Anger: Neighbours were threatened with arrest if they tried to stop the drive being laid (SWNS)

Each household pays £150 a year towards its upkeep, but Mrs Vivian is renting her property so does not put money in the pot and therefore has no rights to the land.

A council spokesperson said: “Mrs Vivian does not have legal title over the land.

"The council is talking to local landowners about reinstatement of the track.”

They added: “It is not possible to legally require someone who does not have an interest in the land to do works enforced through a planning enforcement notice.”

Mrs Vivian was unavailable for comment.

Top pic: SWNS