A Colchester couple are standing their ground over a shed they are building at the front of their home.
Pete and Rachael Tebbs, of Lethe Grove, put up the two-metre structure as a shelter for their children's bikes.
But Colchester Council stepped in after a neighbour complained, and officers found the couple had not got planning permission.
Amanda Richardson, who lives with the Tebbs and their five children, said they were willing to lodge an application, but not the fee required.
"They said they could apply for planning permission, but they failed to say it would cost £110, and there is no guarantee it will go through."
Mrs Richardson, who has been dealing with the council on the Tebbs' behalf, said there was nowhere else to put the shed.
Head of planning Nicola George said it was the shed's location, not size, that required permission.
The council, she said, had no discretion over planning legislation or the fees fixed by the Government, but the Tebbs would get help with a retrospective application if required.
Published Thursday, February 6, 2003
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