A woman living beneath an “eyesore” scaffolding for the last decade wants a council tax reduction.
Frustrated pensioner Jill Wilson, 82, said the long term impact of the towering Talland Parade scaffolding in Seaford has “depressed” her and spoiled the area.
Jill, who bought the house in Saxon Lane over 20 years ago, said it used to be a community but is now “derelict”.
She also fears for her safety while enjoying her garden, claiming that planks have fallen off the structure and could “kill someone” if they were hit.
Jill, who worked for the BBC for 30 years, hopes Lewes District Council’s recent High Court claim against the site’s London-based owners will be the start of redevelopment after ten years of remaining largely untouched.
She told The Argus: “It has depressed me. I was living next to what used to be a run of shops with flats above them. Now it’s derelict.
“When there were shops, it was a little community behind Broad Street. I have lived here for 22 years when I moved from Brighton.
"It has got awful in the last ten years. It is deserted.
“The estate agent said my house has been devalued by 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
“I haven’t had much correspondence with the council, I haven’t been told much. I am frustrated by the isolation.
"I am frustrated by the people who own the scaffolding.
“I bought a house, the only house I have ever bought, with shops around and flats above. It was a very community-based place. Now I feel like I’m on an island. It feels unsafe.
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“The winds with the scaffolding are horrific out there. It sounds awful. The noise is unbelievable.
“I went to planning meetings and somebody said they would see if they can get me a rebate.
“I would give the money to a good cause. I feel like I should be compensated. I pay a lot of council tax and I’m not living in a normal situation.
“It’s an eyesore when you’re out there. You don’t expect a great structure out there, I have a pretty little garden.”
Jill’s house is understood to be in council tax band E, meaning she pays £2,758.58 every year.
In a letter seen by The Argus, the council told Jill it would not consider her for a council tax reduction due to there being no indication of any “exceptional financial hardship” although it noted the scaffolding situation has been an ongoing matter.
It accepted there have been some damages to the outside of Jill’s house – although these have not made it “uninhabitable”.
The scaffolding had to be cordoned off during high winds this time last year when Storm Eunice battered Sussex.
The council's High Court claim mentions the "adverse impact" on residents but said Jill still does not meet circumstances for a council tax reduction.
A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: “We are very sympathetic to Mrs Wilson’s situation and all the people in Seaford who have had to put up with the Talland Parade scaffolding.
“However, as has been explained to Mrs Wilson, we are unable to give a discount or exemption in these circumstances. In regard to businesses in this area, any relief they are in receipt of is not linked to the Talland Parade scaffolding.
“The encouraging news concerning the removal of the scaffolding, is that the legal team at Lewes District Council has lodged a claim with the High Court requiring the owner of Talland Parade to remove it.
“The claim is on the grounds of common public nuisance and the council will also seek a final injunction that would result in a court order requiring the scaffolding to be removed without delay.”
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