A resident has been instructed to dismantle a large wooden staircase, dubbed the “bridge of sighs,” in his backyard. Ben Davies, aged 25, constructed the towering structure to handle the steep terrain in the garden of his home in the Welsh valleys. The staircase featured a bridge-like platform elevated 2.7m (8.8ft) above a private lane connecting neighboring properties.
Following a planning dispute, an inspector deemed the staircase “unneighborly” in Abersychan, South Wales. The independent inspector concluded that the structure would negatively impact the property’s character, appearance, and the living conditions of nearby residents.
Mr. Davies explained that the new staircase was intended to replace an old stone staircase that traversed his sloping garden to the street above. He argued that the staircase and platform were a suitable solution for the challenging topography of the site, which had long-standing elevation changes.
Despite Mr. Davies’ claims that the structure would not disrupt the area or neighboring homes, independent inspector Nicola Gulley sided with Torfaen County Borough Council’s assessment. Gulley stated that the proposed development would adversely affect the property’s character, appearance, and the residents of neighboring properties.
Local villagers criticized the structure, likening it to the “bridge of size” rather than the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy. One villager expressed disappointment, noting the obstructed view and lack of consideration for neighbors’ well-being.
Another villager raised concerns about the size of the fencing blocking sunlight to neighboring properties, while yet another compared the structure to the Great Wall of China in jest, highlighting the extensive use of materials in its construction.