Neighbors force demolition of $5.1M mansion over terrace and window facing bedroom

A court in Dorset, England, has ruled that a $5.1 million three-story mansion is an unlawful structure, leaving its owner facing demolition unless his appeal succeeds. The dispute centered on a terrace and windows that neighbors said invaded their privacy.

Neil Kennedy, a 69-year-old retired accountant, replaced his single-story home overlooking the harbor with a luxury three-story residence featuring a pool, gym, and terraces in 2023. But neighbors Garth Weston and interior designer Celia Sawyer claimed the construction deviated from the approved plans.

The main point of contention was the terrace, which was larger than permitted. From it, Kennedy could see into the neighbors' backyard, which Sawyer said compromised her privacy, especially when she was sunbathing in a bikini. Additional windows were also installed on the facade, with one looking directly into Weston's bedroom.

The local council initially ordered the owner to submit a retroactive planning application and approved it in January 2024. This infuriated the neighbors: Weston filed a lawsuit in the High Court, arguing that the decision was unlawful because no inspector had visited the site, so the real impact on adjacent homes was never assessed.

The judge sided with the plaintiff, overturned the council's decision, and declared the house an illegal structure. Kennedy has already filed an appeal and is seeking to legalize the building to avoid demolition. If the appeal fails, he will have to tear down the mansion.