Mother Reports Damage After Neighbor Demolishes Half of Semi-Detached Home

A mother, Shivarna Mitra, 44, has reported ongoing issues after her neighbor allegedly demolished his half of their semi-detached home in Pudsey, Leeds, without proper permissions. Mitra claims that since purchasing her three-bedroom house for £217,000, she has faced significant damage, including holes in walls and a leaking roof, which have allowed pests to enter. She states that the damage has caused damp and mold, affecting her health and that of her son. Mitra's neighbor, Chris Rhodes, reportedly began demolition work in 2022 and later sold the property with planning permission for £115,000. Mitra alleges that the local council did not act promptly to stop the demolition, leading to her current predicament. She has spent £80,000 on renovations since moving in and now fears her home is unsellable. The council confirmed that the property was demolished without necessary permissions but stated that it remains structurally stable. Mitra's insurance has filed a legal claim, but she has been advised that it may take two years to resolve. Rhodes claims that the demolition was necessary for safety reasons and that he attempted to cooperate with all parties involved.