Council grounds boy's tree house (From Warrington Guardian)

Council grounds boy's tree house

A FATHER has been forced to apply for council permission to keep his son's tree house.

Terry Henderson found himself facing the full wrath of Macclesfield Borough Council after he built the wooden house in his garden for six-year-old Matthew.

He had hoped to capture some of the magic from Lord of the Rings, one of Matthew's favourite films.

But then the council came calling - with an order to take down the Bilbo Baggins-style home. "We wouldn't have thought you needed permission for a tree house," said Mr Henderson. "It was quite a shock. We've had to go down that road though because that is the way of the world now."

Mr Henderson, 37, of Jacob's Way, Pickmere, spent £1,800 and three days building the tree house.

He drew on 15 years' experience overseeing the construction of steel frameworks.

The tree house is bigger than a garden shed and more luxurious.

It has a lakeside view, rubber tyres to swing on and - if planning permission is granted - will have a slide from the front door to the ground.

But first Mr Henderson must win over council officials - and the neighbour who is believed to have objected.

Then if approved, he plans to grow ivy over the tree house to further shield the neighbours' view and put plant pots on the balcony.

"Most children are out on the streets if they can't stay at home to play," said Mr Henderson.

"This is a bonus for Matthew because he can invite his friends to come and play at his house."

amoores@guardiangrp.co.uk