Cotswold Cottage Crisis: Scaffolding Nightmare Wipes £600,000 Off Pensioner’s Home Value
A 79-year-old homeowner in South Woodchester, Gloucestershire, is locked in a battle with Stroud District Council over scaffolding that has dominated his property for seven years. Andrew Ewart-James claims the ongoing situation has slashed the value of his home by £600,000, leaving him feeling “trapped” and unable to sell.
Decades of Warnings Ignored
Ewart-James first alerted the council to a problematic retaining wall in his garden back in 1986. Despite this early warning, emergency scaffolding wasn’t erected until 2019, after the wall moved four inches. Since then, the scaffolding has remained a permanent fixture, a constant reminder of the unresolved issue.
A Mounting Taxpayer Bill
The temporary solution is proving costly for taxpayers. The scaffolding currently costs £368 per week to maintain, exceeding £100,000 in total expenditure as of January 2026. Ewart-James is critical of the council’s handling of the situation, stating, “It’s crazy that £100,000 of our money is being used on this.”
Impact on Property Value and Quality of Life
Ewart-James purchased Home Farm in 1977 and had hoped to downsize after his wife’s recent passing, allowing his children to benefit from their inheritance. However, the presence of the scaffolding has made the property virtually unsellable. He estimates the property’s value has dropped from a potential £1 million to £1.25 million to around half that amount.
Beyond the financial implications, the scaffolding has significantly impacted Ewart-James’ quality of life. He describes feeling like a “prisoner in his own home” and is unable to enjoy his garden due to safety concerns. He fears the wall could collapse at any moment, potentially damaging his kitchen.
Legal Action and Council Response
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Ewart-James has initiated High Court proceedings against Stroud District Council. The council acknowledges delays, attributing them to difficulties in agreeing on design details with Ewart-James’ structural engineer. They state that proposals were agreed upon by March 2025 and are currently working to finalize a license to begin the necessary repairs.
A Wider Issue? The Cost of Infrastructure Neglect
This case highlights a growing concern regarding aging infrastructure and the financial burden of maintaining it. While this specific situation involves a private property, it raises questions about the responsibility of local councils to address potential hazards and the impact of delayed action on homeowners and taxpayers.
FAQ
Q: How long has the scaffolding been up?
A: The scaffolding has been in place for seven years, since 2019.
Q: How much has the scaffolding cost taxpayers?
A: Over £100,000 as of January 2026.
Q: What is Andrew Ewart-James’ main concern?
A: He wants to sell his property to downsize and allow his children to receive their inheritance, but the scaffolding is preventing him from doing so.
Q: What is the council’s response?
A: The council states they are committed to progressing the project and are working to finalize a license to begin repairs.
Did you know? Retaining walls require regular inspection and maintenance to prevent issues like the one experienced by Mr. Ewart-James. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to costly repairs and significant disruption.
Pro Tip: If you suspect a structural issue with a retaining wall on your property, consult with a qualified structural engineer for a professional assessment.
Have you experienced similar issues with local infrastructure projects? Share your story in the comments below!
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