'Beach bum' businessman battles to save his garden

'The council has missed the point of what it is all about'

A Torbay businessman and self-confessed ‘beach bum’ has called for common sense after being told to take down a roof garden which has proved a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike.

Rob Wood created the much-loved garden on the concrete flat roof of a building he leases from Torbay Council at Broadsands.

The feature, which is part of his Broadsands Beach Watersports Centre, features plants, seats, a boat, a scarecrow and even a small aviary for his zebra finches. Much of it has been put together from barrels, fish boxes and other items washed ashore on the beach where he has run his business for 17 years.

Courgettes, squashes and tomatoes are among the things growing in the roof garden.

“It all started with a few nasturtiums,” said Rob. “Then it just snowballed. Dozens of people stop every day to look at it.

“One lady was taking a video the other day to send to her sister in Brazil. It has been a really positive thing for the community. It’s bringing people together.”

But now Mr Wood has been told the garden has to go, and health and safety is at the heart of the problem.

Torbay Council says it appreciates Mr Wood’s good intentions, and wants to liaise with him about finding a way forward, but there are concerns over the safety of the structure.

“The place was an eyesore before,” said Mr Wood. “All it attracted was anti-social behaviour. I was always finding whisky bottles and cider cans up there.

“Now I think it looks lovely.”

Problems began when Mr Wood had a visit from the council, saying they were concerned about the weight of the garden on the concrete roof.

But, he said: “I wasn’t always a beach bum. I’m a civil engineer and I know a bit about structural strength. Anything with any weight is over the supporting walls. The issue of the weight is nonsense.

“There must be a more constructive, common sense way to do this. The council has missed the point of what it is all about.”

A Torbay Council spokesman said it acknowledged his efforts, but the roof garden was created without permission.

The spokesman went on: “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.

“It is never our intention to limit initiatives for things such as gardens. However, 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 deviate from lease conditions could pose potential risks to Mr Wood, the area, and all users of that area.

“We hope to resolve this matter amicably and encourage Mr Wood to engage with us through the proper channels for any future initiatives.”