Overview

For a long period of time, our neighbour, Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater has repeatedly targeted our family with ongoing harassment, intimidation, and behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, and disruption. This has included:

  1. Verbal Abuse & Threats
    • Persistent shouting of insults over the wall at myself and my partner.
    • Direct threats such as “I’ll break your neck” and “I’ll sort you out.”
    • Aggressive confrontation toward our children, including warnings such as “I could open this gate and it will hit you.”
  2. Filming, Photographing & Watching Us
    • Taking photographs of our garden, our home, and even our daughter’s bedroom window while she was inside getting ready.
    • Using his raised platform to stand above the boundary and watch, film, or stare into our garden regularly.
    • His wife has also recorded us in our garden.
  3. Intimidating Behaviour Using His Platform
    • Repeatedly climbing onto or leaning over the raised platform specifically to confront, observe, or intimidate us.
    • Using the platform as a vantage point to shout down at us or our children.
  4. Threatening Movements & Possible Weapon
    • On camera, he went back into his property mid-argument and returned concealing something in his right hand that could have been a weapon, which he held behind his leg.
  5. Trespass & Misuse of Right of Access
    • Entering our garden or lingering in the right-of-way beyond what is reasonable.
    • Walking around our garden unnecessarily and approaching private areas of our property.
  6. Damage to Property
    • Kicking and breaking our gate so it no longer closes properly.
    • Drilling into the shared wall without permission and attaching wood to it.
    • Painting our side of the wall black with anti-climb paint.
    • Pulling at our washing line and attempting to dislodge it.
  7. Noise Harassment
    • Daily loud banging, slamming, hammering, drilling, cutting, and workshop-level noise coming from inside his home.
    • Noise appears deliberate and intended to disturb, especially following confrontations.
  8. Behaviour Toward Our Children
    • Leaning over the wall and shouting at our children while playing.
    • Making statements implying they could be injured by the gate.
    • Making them feel unsafe in their own garden and home.
  9. Spreading False Information
    • Talking to neighbours about us to turn them against us.
    • Asking neighbours to post our names and address on Facebook.
    • Making false reports against us to the police without evidence.
  10. Persistent Escalation
    • Behaviour has continued for months despite warnings, police involvement, and council reports.
    • Often becomes more aggressive after each report.

For a long period of time, our neighbour, Anthony Prater, has repeatedly targeted our family with ongoing harassment, intimidation, and behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, and disruption. This has included:

  1. Verbal Abuse & Threats
    • Persistent shouting of insults over the wall at myself and my partner.
    • Direct threats such as “I’ll break your neck” and “I’ll sort you out.”
    • Aggressive confrontation toward our children, including warnings such as “I could open this gate and it will hit you.”
  2. Filming, Photographing & Watching Us
    • Taking photographs of our garden, our home, and even our daughter’s bedroom window while she was inside getting ready.
    • Using his raised platform to stand above the boundary and watch, film, or stare into our garden regularly.
    • His wife has also recorded us in our garden.
  3. Intimidating Behaviour Using His Platform
    • Repeatedly climbing onto or leaning over the raised platform specifically to confront, observe, or intimidate us.
    • Using the platform as a vantage point to shout down at us or our children.
  4. Threatening Movements & Possible Weapon
    • On camera, he went back into his property mid-argument and returned concealing something in his right hand that could have been a weapon, which he held behind his leg.
  5. Trespass & Misuse of Right of Access
    • Entering our garden or lingering in the right-of-way beyond what is reasonable.
    • Walking around our garden unnecessarily and approaching private areas of our property.
  6. Damage to Property
    • Kicking and breaking our gate so it no longer closes properly.
    • Drilling into the shared wall without permission and attaching wood to it.
    • Painting our side of the wall black with anti-climb paint.
    • Pulling at our washing line and attempting to dislodge it.
  7. Noise Harassment
    • Daily loud banging, slamming, hammering, drilling, cutting, and workshop-level noise coming from inside his home.
    • Noise appears deliberate and intended to disturb, especially following confrontations.
  8. Behaviour Toward Our Children
    • Leaning over the wall and shouting at our children while playing.
    • Making statements implying they could be injured by the gate.
    • Making them feel unsafe in their own garden and home.
  9. Spreading False Information
    • Talking to neighbours about us to turn them against us.
    • Asking neighbours to post our names and address on Facebook.
    • Making false reports against us to the police without evidence.
  10. Persistent Escalation
    • Behaviour has continued for months despite warnings, police involvement, and council reports.
    • Often becomes more aggressive after each report.

Diary

The diary below lists incidents and observations in chronological groups.

10th November 2028

  • As like on the 27th October 2026 and previous times - Anthony James Prater steps out of his home to move my bin which was sat slightly in front of his gate. Noting again this is a minor thing, but I log this to express his anal-retentive over property lines.

January 2026 - October 2026

  • As like on the 27th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater steps out of his home to move my bin which was sat slightly in front of his gate.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

January 2026 - October 2026

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

July 2026

  • Minor point, Anthony James Parter entered the right of access through our property, seeing a box of ours we had on the floor next to the bin, Anthony proceeded to kick the box unnecessarily.

December 2025

  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected

July 2026

  • Minor point, Anthony James Parter entered the right of access through our property, seeing a box of ours we had on the floor next to the bin, Anthony proceeded to kick the box unnecessarily.

December 2025

  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected
  • Fri 12th Dec 2025 — Police come round for an incident with a stolen bike, they speak to Anthony J Prater in regards to getting neighbour reports on this situation.Anthony then proceeds to discuss us, saying we "have cameras all over the place" which we only put up due to Anthony terrozing us.He then repeats "I wouldnt piss on them if they were on fire". At one point a police officer says to Anthony "That's not very nice" in reference to the things Anthony was saying about us.He then tells the officer that he had moved a bin away from his gate in which he explains how he wheeled it, he then discusses that we were speaking to him through our front camera. As seen in a video above, he was actually kicking the bin towards the end of the path, so Maegan spoke through the microphone asking him not to kick our bin in which he responded calling Maegan a "Bastard".

November 2025

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
  • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
  • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
  • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
  • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

October 2025

  • 18 Oct 2025 — Patricia Prater was seen on the right-of-access discussing fence spikes installed on our property to deter wildlife.
  • Later the same day, a neighbour reported that Patricia had gone door-to-door asking to enter our garden and posted our address on Facebook.
  • Anthony Prater was later observed speaking with another neighbour about the spikes, encouraging them to "tell others about us."

September 2025

  • 16 Sep 2025 — Anthony pushed past the Maegan in the alleyway while she was pushing a pram. - Maegan was approaching the alleyway but could hear Anthony coming the other way, with that Anonthy stepped round the corner and focrfully pushed the pram out the way as Maegan was pushing the pram round the corner.

August 2025

  • Early August — Anthony verbally attacked the family from his platform; recorded leaving and returning holding an object in his right hand.
  • 6 Aug 2025 — Anthony kicked the back gate, breaking the latch so it no longer closes properly.
  • 9 Aug 2025 — Repeated banging on doors and walls throughout his house, described as random and aggressive.

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Pushing Our Bins into our Garden

  • 7 August 2025 — Anthony prater was caught on CCTV grabbing our brown bin, opening our gate and pushing the bin over into the garden, this was a random event, after we had put it back and locked the gate, he then moved it to the other part of the garden and pushed it over into that garden. On both occasions scattering rubbish everywhere.

July 2025

  • 8 Jul 2025 – onwards
  • When neighbour Maegan Whitehouse was outside, Anthony emerged with a stick, opened his gate, waved it and struck our bins.
  • Threats reported: "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck," and "My wife's told me not to hit you, but I will."
  • After hearing us sweeping, he threw lemons into our garden (lemons had been placed on his bin to block odour).
  • Frequent loud banging continued, and Anthony began watching/recording in the garden almost daily; one video shows his wife filming.
  • 18 Jul 2025 — Came outside with a camera, believed to be photographing ant powder placed by neighbour #24.
  • 22 Jul 2025 — Observed inspecting our back garden.

​

Issue with Bins

  • 10 Jul 2025 — At this time it had been quite for a few weeks, we had the new fence and gate installed and we was constantly using it to push a pram out of the gate. One day we saw Anthony outside doing something to his bins. Within that day we had found that Anthony had placed two bins outside our new gate and chained them to his wall oposite our gate were we push the pram out.
  • Firstly it is illegal for him to place, leave, chain anything up on the right of access, especially if it causes issues for us. His plan was to cause issues for us to get the pram out, which it did.
  • I'd seen him in the garden and asked him to move the bins in which he had threatened me with violence "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck,".
  • We had reported the bins to the council but no responce and when we had phone it got passed from Planning Debt to Waste back to Planning.
  • Becuase this was in the middle of summer and due to ANthony drilling large holes in his bin to place a chain through them and due to the fact Anthony had a lot of cats which cats waste was being put into the bins, openly, not bagged, it was then starting to smell, the smell got so bad my partner (with baby at the time) had got ill, I myself had been sick a few times due to the increasing smells of hot cats waste simmering from these bins.
  • This left us with no option and we could not enjoy the garden.

​

Other July incidents

  • Took photos of the front of our home.
  • Twice pushed our bin into our garden, scattering rubbish.

Spring 2025 (undated)

  • Repeatedly leaned over the wall telling our children to "move away from my wall" and saying "I could open this gate and it will hit you."
  • Confronted us about a new fence, claiming it was "1 inch on his land."

March 2025

  • 10 Mar (08:00) — Loud deliberate door-slamming followed by five minutes of hammering, which frightened children awake. Earlier that morning ladders were placed against the shared wall and holes drilled; upon return, two pieces of wood had been fixed there.
  • 9 Mar 2025 — Shouted at children playing; threatened to "open that gate" and make it hit them. Became verbally abusive, including insults and threats; entire exchange recorded on video.
  • 6 Mar 2025 (17:00) — While partner brought in washing, Anthony set a ladder against the wall, tugged at the washing line, then leaned on the wall staring directly into the kitchen window (video and photos exist).

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Painting the Wall Black

  • 5 Mar 2025 Anthony painted the wall black from his side.
  • 5 Mar 2025 (10:00) — From upstairs, Anthony photographed our garden and our daughter's bedroom window while she was inside. He shouted verbal abuse about the washing line, then wrote "Non Drying Paint" and rolled anti-climb paint across the wall (paint is toxic to children and pregnant women).
  • 2 Mar 2025 — Leaned over the wall yelling and calling Steve an "idiot."
  • 1 Mar 2025 — Initial March confrontation: shouted abuse at the pregnant partner, entered the right-of-access path
  • Landlady confirmed prior tenants had similar police issues.

2024

  • Reports to authorities
  • Incidents reported to the council; a representative visited but it was not resolved.
  • Two incidents reported to the police for property damage (awaiting updates).
  • Landlady confirmed previous tenants often contacted police about Anthony; neighbour at #18 once struck Anthony in self-defence.
  • General behaviour — Frequent shouting over the wall, entering the garden without permission, property damage, staring into the garden and the user's daughter's room, and overuse of the right-of-access gate to enter the garden; recorded evidence is held.
  • Specific incidents
  • July — Complained falsely about BBQ smoke.
  • 22 Aug — His cat defecated in our garden.
  • 23 Aug — Falsely accused us of shovelling the feces back into his garden.
  • Earlier: complained about protective mesh on the side gate despite it being a health measure; the gate he owns opens onto our property and has nearly injured the user.

2023 — Background

  • On moving in, Anthony shouted: "Anything your landlady's told you is a lie, she's a lying bitch." His wife greeted politely; he yelled at her.
  • Frequently leaned over the wall for one-sided conversations and often contradicted himself. Landlady warned about previous tenant conflicts.

Previous History

  • Before the incidents recorded in this diary, there is an established and well-documented history of problematic behaviour involving Anthony and previous occupants of the property. My landlady has confirmed that multiple earlier tenants experienced similar issues, with at least five previous tenants reporting incidents to the police during their tenancies.
  • We've learnt that a young lady used to live at our property but was so terrorized by Anthony which forced her out of this home.
  • My landlady also confirmed that Anthony had verbally abused members of her family in the past, and that she had been previously involved in a dispute where Anthony attempted to take her to court over routine home improvements. The bathroom installation carried out in the upstairs area prompted repeated complaints from Anthony, despite the works being lawful.
  • This background shows that the difficulties we are experiencing are not isolated or new, but part of a long-standing pattern of behaviour that has affected several unrelated tenants and neighbours.

Neighbour Conflicts

Anthony has demonstrated a clear pattern of conflict with multiple neighbours, showing a consistent behaviour of confrontation, complaints, and legal action.

21 Nov 2025 — Confrontation with Neighbour at 18 Humber Street

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
    • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
    • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
    • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
    • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

William at 24 Humber Street

William at 24 Humber Street will not speak with Anthony. It was reported that Anthony had verbally attacked William in the past, reporting William for various unnecessary minor issues with his gate and arguing over the right of way with William.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Gate Complaint

The previous neighbours at 18 Humber Street had a gate built at the end of their garden. Anthony complained to the council about this gate despite it not affecting him in any way.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Court Case Over Garden Bed

The same neighbours at 18 Humber Street had built a very small brick garden bed in their garden. The bricks were built up to Anthony's side of the wall and would not affect him or cause any issues. However, Anthony took the neighbour to court, which caused that neighbour to sell up after surprisingly losing in court. This is something Anthony had gloated about in one of the videos recorded as evidence.

Neighbours Across the Road – Police Reports

On what seemed to be a regular basis, the lady across the road had some issues with what appears to be an ex-boyfriend or husband, in which arguments had taken place outside on a few occasions. Anthony reported every argument to the police, which led the police to visit Anthony's property to discuss each one.

Unlawful and Potentially Criminal Actions

(Listed by behaviour category for clarity; subject to police determination.)

  1. Harassment & Intimidation –
  • Repeated verbal abuse, name-calling, threats (e.g. “break your neck,” “sort you out”).
  • Persistent unwanted contact, shouting over the wall, following conversations despite requests to stop.
  • Recording and photographing occupants, including a child in her bedroom.
  1. → Potential offences under Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
  2. Threats of Violence / Assault –
  • Direct threats to cause physical harm; aggressive posturing, waving a stick, banging, and intimidation with a possible weapon.
  1. → Possible offences under Public Order Act 1986 (s.4/5) and Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
  2. Criminal Damage –
  • Kicking and breaking the gate; painting and drilling into the shared wall; other property damage.
  1. → Criminal Damage Act 1971.
  2. Trespass / Misuse of Right of Access –
  • Entering or lingering on property beyond legal right-of-way; using gate to walk around garden.
  1. → Civil trespass; potential aggravating factor in harassment case.
  2. Voyeurism / Privacy Invasion –
  • Photographing and filming the garden and inside windows (including a minor child).
  1. → Possible breach of Data Protection Act 2018 and Section 67 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (if proved intent).
  2. Noise & Disturbance –
  • Repeated loud banging and shouting designed to cause alarm or distress.
  1. → Public Order Act s.5.
  2. Defamation / Malicious Communications –
  • Spreading false information to neighbours and online (via attempts to post on social media).
  1. → Malicious Communications Act 1988; Defamation Act 2013.
  2. Potential Health & Safety Breach –
  • Applying toxic anti-climb paint across the shared boundary; fumes dangerous to pregnant women and children.
  1. → Environmental Protection Act 1990; possible civil negligence.

Overall Impact on the Family

  • Safety fears: Family members record on phones whenever outside; feel unsafe even in the garden.
  • Children:
  • Daughter frightened after the March 9 incident; now sleeps in her brother’s room.
  • Partner’s son regularly expresses fear of Anthony, referencing his shouting and banging.
  • All children are restricted from freely playing outdoors.
  • Partner:
  • Suffers anxiety, avoids the garden, and was disturbed by harassment during pregnancy and toxic paint fumes.
  • Has been directly insulted and humiliated by Anthony’s verbal abuse.
  • Myself (Steven Roberts):
  • Constant vigilance; loss of privacy; disrupted work and sleep from banging and fear of confrontation.
  • Emotional exhaustion from protecting family and collecting evidence.
  • Home environment:
  • Garden and shared access areas no longer feel safe.
  • Continuous stress affects household harmony and children’s wellbeing.

Planning Issues

For several years, multiple households have experienced ongoing issues caused by the structures and behaviour of Anthony James Prater at 20 Humber Street. The primary concern is a large raised concrete platform, constructed without planning permission and built within the last 10 years, alongside several self-installed upper-floor windows, a secondary raised platform, and a number of CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring properties.

​

These structures give Mr Prater a direct and elevated view into adjoining gardens, patio doors, bedrooms, and living areas. He repeatedly uses these elevated positions to watch, photograph, record, and shout at neighbouring families, including myself, my partner, and our children. This behaviour has been documented in both photos and videos, and has contributed to ongoing police investigations and an active anti-social behaviour case.

​

The platform has escalated privacy invasion, loss of amenity, and distress for several households, not just ours. Neighbours at No. 18 have also been subjected to confrontations regarding their bay window and reported similar intimidation. The combination of an unlawful structure and persistent hostile conduct has caused long-term anxiety, fear in children, inability to use garden spaces safely, and general deterioration of neighbour wellbeing.

​

The raised platform is not simply an unauthorised structure — it has become a tool used for harassment, monitoring, and intimidation, with clear impact on family life, mental health, privacy, and safety. It affects all adjoining properties, not only our own.

​

The situation requires a full reassessment by planning enforcement, taking into account the physical planning breaches, the timeline of construction, and the documented use of these structures to facilitate harassment.

For several years, multiple households have experienced ongoing issues caused by the structures and behaviour of Anthony James Prater at 20 Humber Street. The primary concern is a large raised concrete platform, constructed without planning permission and built within the last 10 years, alongside several self-installed upper-floor windows, a secondary raised platform, and a number of CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring properties.

​

These structures give Mr Prater a direct and elevated view into adjoining gardens, patio doors, bedrooms, and living areas. He repeatedly uses these elevated positions to watch, photograph, record, and shout at neighbouring families, including myself, my partner, and our children. This behaviour has been documented in both photos and videos, and has contributed to ongoing police investigations and an active anti-social behaviour case.

​

The platform has escalated privacy invasion, loss of amenity, and distress for several households, not just ours. Neighbours at No. 18 have also been subjected to confrontations regarding their bay window and reported similar intimidation. The combination of an unlawful structure and persistent hostile conduct has caused long-term anxiety, fear in children, inability to use garden spaces safely, and general deterioration of neighbour wellbeing.

​

The raised platform is not simply an unauthorised structure — it has become a tool used for harassment, monitoring, and intimidation, with clear impact on family life, mental health, privacy, and safety. It affects all adjoining properties, not only our own.

​

The situation requires a full reassessment by planning enforcement, taking into account the physical planning breaches, the timeline of construction, and the documented use of these structures to facilitate harassment.Google Street View: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Humber+St,+Cleethorpes/@53.5570762,-0.0258027,14a,15y,119.77h,90.88t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA!2e0!5s20170601T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.clients6.google.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.8818204550761379%26panoid%3D-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA%26yaw%3D119.76835601483876!7i13312!8i6656!4m6!3m5!1s0x487882b61f62f78b:0xec7ef03d95154d46!8m2!3d53.556435!4d-0.0249651!16s%2Fg%2F1tdk9ld1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

August 2014 - Neither the top bay window or the platform exists. Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

August 2014 - Neither the top bay window or the platform exists. Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

Planning Conversation Diary

Concerns Regarding 20 Humber Street, Cleethorpes (Property of Anthony J. Prater)

Compiled from correspondence between March 2024 and July 2025

​

Overview

Since 2024 I (Steve Roberts, 22 Humber Street) have raised repeated planning-related concerns to North East Lincolnshire Council regarding unapproved structures and alterations at 20 Humber Street, owned by Anthony James Prater.

​

These concerns relate to:

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A raised viewing platform built within the last 10 years

Several upper-floor windows overlooking my home and my daughter’s bedroom

An elevated outdoor entrance/landing

A ground-level wraparound platform that leads to the raised platform

Cameras pointing directly into neighbouring gardens

A gate from No. 20 that dangerously opens into my property

Associated harassment, privacy invasion, and safety risks caused by these structures

This report summarises my communications with the council’s planning team, in date order, and documents how the issue has escalated due to both the structures themselves and the way they are being used by the neighbour to harass adjoining households.

​

Chronological Record of Planning Correspondence

27/08/2024 — Initial Report of Planning Breaches

I submitted a detailed report expressing concerns about:

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A raised platform built alongside my boundary, allowing Anthony to sit on plastic chairs and overlook my entire garden and into my lower patio windows and upper-floor bedrooms.

Four self-installed upper-floor windows directly facing my garden and my daughter’s room.

Two visible CCTV cameras (and a possible third), one entirely overlooking No. 18’s garden, and one covering my whole garden.

A gate that opens into my property, posing danger to my children.

Regular misuse of that gate and excessive access through my garden.

An opening under his gate encouraging his cats into my garden, where they fouled routinely.

My concerns around privacy, safety, and having to record interactions due to harassment.

I asked how these structures were approved and whether they complied with planning regulations.

​

19/03/2024 — Council Requests Clarification

Angela Tynan (Planning) requested the specific property number. I confirmed it was 20 Humber Street and described restricted access at the back, loss of light, a landlord who previously claimed the structure would be removed, confusion about land ownership, a visible electrical cable suspended over the access path, and general concerns about how this structure was allowed.

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26/03/2025 — Follow-Up Report with Evidence

I sent a further report outlining that the platform joins directly to the shared boundary; when Anthony stands on it he is visible from the waist up over our fence. I provided photo and video evidence of him taking pictures and of threatening behaviour. I requested clarity on which department could address the structure. The council replied they could take no enforcement action and referred me back to a letter they claim to have sent in September 2024, and closed the enquiry.

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30/04/2025 — Escalation and New Evidence

I reopened the issue (Case 00075633), provided new photos, highlighted the construction timeline, emphasised police involvement (crime ref 25000057389), and requested a proper investigation. I stated intention to escalate if no reply by 14 May.

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06/05/2025 — Council Acknowledgement

Susanne Ellis confirmed forwarding my email and evidence to the original investigator, Martin Ambler.

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15/05/2025 — Request for Platform Re-Investigation

I asked for the raised platform to be reconsidered, why no officer had accessed my property for inspection, and explained this issue formed part of a broader harassment case. Council response noted the previous officer had left and that the matter had been investigated; a 2024 outcome letter was attached (not included here).

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11/07/2025 — Renewed Concerns About Lack of Investigation

I explained I had little faith in the council process, that no one attended my address in September 2024 to view the structure properly, and requested urgent review given active police/ASB involvement.

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14/07/2025 — Formal Appeal for Action

I submitted a detailed summary arguing the platform was built after 2017 and not immune from enforcement, that no planning permission existed for the platform, upper-floor entrance or additional windows, and that these structures were being used as tools of harassment. I raised additional safety and nuisance concerns and reiterated Police and ASB involvement.

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18/07/2025 — Confirmation of Forwarding

Lesley confirmed my July email had been forwarded to Martin Ambler and he would respond on his return.

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Key Planning Concerns Summarised

Raised Platform (Primary Issue) — Constructed after 2017 with no evidence of planning permission; allows visibility into garden and bedroom; used to watch, film, shout at and threaten family; represents planning breach and ASB risk.

Upper-Floor Windows — Self-installed without permission, facing neighbouring gardens and bedrooms.

Secondary Raised Area / Landing — Built along shared boundary and used daily as an observation point.

CCTV Cameras — Positioned to monitor neighbouring gardens, one covering whole garden and another aimed at No.18.

Dangerous Gate — Opens into my property and has nearly struck my daughter.

Possible Boundary / Ownership Issues — Uncertainty whether platform occupies legally owned land.

Safety & Nuisance — Bins chained to property, cats entering through gate, waste causing flies, and a hanging electrical cable.

Conclusion

Between March 2024 and July 2025 I submitted multiple reports, provided photographs, maps and evidence, and requested inspection from my property where the impact is visible. I was repeatedly told no enforcement action could be taken despite the platform appearing within the 10-year enforcement window, lacking planning permission, and being used to harass neighbours. The platform is therefore both a planning concern and an active tool of harassment.

16th October 2026Rebuilding + Painting Platform

On 16th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] rebuilding the steps before painting them. This displays that Anthony James Prater has now changed the steps. I did contact the counil regarding this but they referred to the 4-year rule which was”In UK planning law, if an unauthorized structure (like a balcony or steps) stays in place for a continuous period without the council taking enforcement action, it becomes "immune" from enforcement. Once immune, the council can no longer force the owner to take it down or modify it, even if it breaches privacy rules.”HoweverIf the neighbour recently demolished the old steps and rebuilt them, this completely resets the clock for planning enforcement.

Under UK planning law, building a new structure—or substantially rebuilding an existing one—is classified as a fresh operational development. They cannot claim the "4-year/10-year rule" immunity for a structure that was recently taken down and replaced.

​

Here is why this changes everything and what you can do about it:

​

1. Why Rebuilding Resets the Immunity Clock

    • Demolition ends the original immunity: Once a structure is demolished or substantially taken down, any planning immunity attached to the old structure is lost.
    • New development requires permission: Rebuilding raised steps (especially if higher than 30 cm or attached to a balcony) is a brand-new development. Because it was carried out recently, it falls under the current enforcement rules (and the 10-year rule introduced in April 2024 for new works in England).
    • Changes in design or size: Even if they tried to claim it was just "maintenance," if the new steps are larger, higher, constructed from different materials, or positioned differently, it is legally a new structure and requires full planning permission.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

Planning Legal Issues & Actions

Overview

A raised platform over 30cm requires planning permission and is considered unauthorised development if constructed without approval. Mr Prater’s platform did not exist before 2017/2018, therefore it is within the 10-year enforcement period and does not qualify for immunity. In addition to being unlawfully built, it is being used in a way that causes harassment, loss of privacy, and nuisance to neighbours.

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Because of this, the council should take planning enforcement action requiring its removal and should consider ASB measures due to the platform being used as a position to intimidate neighbours. The council has legal grounds under both planning law and the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to intervene.

​

1. Planning Permission Rules for Raised Platforms (UK Law)

1.1 A raised platform almost always requires planning permission

Under UK planning law (The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 & GPDO 2015):

​

Any platform, balcony, raised deck, terrace or similar structure over 30cm (about 1ft) requires planning permission.

This applies even in a rear garden.

These structures are treated the same as balconies and roof terraces because they can overlook neighbours and cause privacy/nuisance issues.

So if his platform is around 3ft off the ground (as stated earlier), then it 100% requires planning permission.

1.2 If no permission was applied for or granted

Then the structure is:

Unauthorised development

A breach of planning control

This means the council can take enforcement action

2. Does the 4-year rule protect him?

No — absolutely not.

​

The 4-year rule only applies to:

Building a new dwelling

Changing a building into a single residential dwelling

Carrying out operational development that creates a new building

A raised platform is not a building, so the 4-year rule does not apply.

Instead, it falls under the 10-year rule for unauthorised changes in use or breaches of conditions.

​

To clarify, the platform did not exist prior to 2017/2018. It was built well within the last 10 years. Therefore, the 4-year immunity rule does not apply. A raised platform requires planning permission regardless of age.

3. How “harassment / nuisance” affects planning enforcement

Even if a structure could theoretically become lawful through time, it does NOT become lawful if:

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It is being used in a way that creates a nuisance,

Causes loss of privacy,

Or is used deliberately to harass neighbours.

The council has a duty to consider:

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3.1 Loss of privacy

A raised platform allowing someone to look over fences/windows is a major planning breach.

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3.2 Noise, shouting, intimidation from the structure

If he is using the platform as a “lookout” to shout at neighbours, confront them, film them, etc — this raises safeguarding concerns.

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3.3 Anti-social behaviour & harassment

Local authorities have powers under:

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ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Nuisance behaviour policies

So planning + ASB can both apply at the same time.

​

4. What the council can and should do now

Here’s what the council is expected to do once a raised platform with nuisance/harassment is reported:

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4.1 Conduct a site inspection

Planning enforcement should:

Inspect the platform

Measure its height

Determine overlooking impact

Check council records (no planning permission exists)

4.2 Issue a Planning Enforcement Notice

Because:

It is unauthorised operational development

It is under 10 years old

It is causing harm to neighbours

The enforcement notice would require:

Removal of the raised platform entirely

OR

Reducing it below 30cm

OR

Adding screening (not recommended in this case)

4.3 Issue a Community Protection Warning / Notice (ASB)

If he is:

Shouting from the platform

Using it to watch neighbours

Using it to intimidate

Has a history of abusive behaviour (which he does)

The council’s ASB team can issue:

A Community Protection Warning (CPW)

If behaviour continues → A Community Protection Notice (CPN)

Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence.

4.4 Require retrospective planning permission

They may allow him to submit a retrospective planning application, but:

It should be refused.

Because the platform:

Causes overlooking

Has a harmful impact on neighbours

Is used in a way that escalates conflict

Never should have been built

If refused → the enforcement notice forces its removal.

4.5 Multi-agency review (strongly applicable in this case)

Because he has:

A history of confrontations

Multiple neighbour reports

Behaviour that may be escalating

A pattern of harassing behaviour from the platform

The council should involve:

Planning Enforcement

ASB Team

Environmental Health

Housing (if applicable)

Police (if harassment continues)

Property Map

Map / image of the neighbouring properties.

Overview

For a long period of time, our neighbour, Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater has repeatedly targeted our family with ongoing harassment, intimidation, and behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, and disruption. This has included:

  1. Verbal Abuse & Threats
    • Persistent shouting of insults over the wall at myself and my partner.
    • Direct threats such as “I’ll break your neck” and “I’ll sort you out.”
    • Aggressive confrontation toward our children, including warnings such as “I could open this gate and it will hit you.”
  2. Filming, Photographing & Watching Us
    • Taking photographs of our garden, our home, and even our daughter’s bedroom window while she was inside getting ready.
    • Using his raised platform to stand above the boundary and watch, film, or stare into our garden regularly.
    • His wife has also recorded us in our garden.
  3. Intimidating Behaviour Using His Platform
    • Repeatedly climbing onto or leaning over the raised platform specifically to confront, observe, or intimidate us.
    • Using the platform as a vantage point to shout down at us or our children.
  4. Threatening Movements & Possible Weapon
    • On camera, he went back into his property mid-argument and returned concealing something in his right hand that could have been a weapon, which he held behind his leg.
  5. Trespass & Misuse of Right of Access
    • Entering our garden or lingering in the right-of-way beyond what is reasonable.
    • Walking around our garden unnecessarily and approaching private areas of our property.
  6. Damage to Property
    • Kicking and breaking our gate so it no longer closes properly.
    • Drilling into the shared wall without permission and attaching wood to it.
    • Painting our side of the wall black with anti-climb paint.
    • Pulling at our washing line and attempting to dislodge it.
  7. Noise Harassment
    • Daily loud banging, slamming, hammering, drilling, cutting, and workshop-level noise coming from inside his home.
    • Noise appears deliberate and intended to disturb, especially following confrontations.
  8. Behaviour Toward Our Children
    • Leaning over the wall and shouting at our children while playing.
    • Making statements implying they could be injured by the gate.
    • Making them feel unsafe in their own garden and home.
  9. Spreading False Information
    • Talking to neighbours about us to turn them against us.
    • Asking neighbours to post our names and address on Facebook.
    • Making false reports against us to the police without evidence.
  10. Persistent Escalation
    • Behaviour has continued for months despite warnings, police involvement, and council reports.
    • Often becomes more aggressive after each report.

For a long period of time, our neighbour, Anthony Prater, has repeatedly targeted our family with ongoing harassment, intimidation, and behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, and disruption. This has included:

  1. Verbal Abuse & Threats
    • Persistent shouting of insults over the wall at myself and my partner.
    • Direct threats such as “I’ll break your neck” and “I’ll sort you out.”
    • Aggressive confrontation toward our children, including warnings such as “I could open this gate and it will hit you.”
  2. Filming, Photographing & Watching Us
    • Taking photographs of our garden, our home, and even our daughter’s bedroom window while she was inside getting ready.
    • Using his raised platform to stand above the boundary and watch, film, or stare into our garden regularly.
    • His wife has also recorded us in our garden.
  3. Intimidating Behaviour Using His Platform
    • Repeatedly climbing onto or leaning over the raised platform specifically to confront, observe, or intimidate us.
    • Using the platform as a vantage point to shout down at us or our children.
  4. Threatening Movements & Possible Weapon
    • On camera, he went back into his property mid-argument and returned concealing something in his right hand that could have been a weapon, which he held behind his leg.
  5. Trespass & Misuse of Right of Access
    • Entering our garden or lingering in the right-of-way beyond what is reasonable.
    • Walking around our garden unnecessarily and approaching private areas of our property.
  6. Damage to Property
    • Kicking and breaking our gate so it no longer closes properly.
    • Drilling into the shared wall without permission and attaching wood to it.
    • Painting our side of the wall black with anti-climb paint.
    • Pulling at our washing line and attempting to dislodge it.
  7. Noise Harassment
    • Daily loud banging, slamming, hammering, drilling, cutting, and workshop-level noise coming from inside his home.
    • Noise appears deliberate and intended to disturb, especially following confrontations.
  8. Behaviour Toward Our Children
    • Leaning over the wall and shouting at our children while playing.
    • Making statements implying they could be injured by the gate.
    • Making them feel unsafe in their own garden and home.
  9. Spreading False Information
    • Talking to neighbours about us to turn them against us.
    • Asking neighbours to post our names and address on Facebook.
    • Making false reports against us to the police without evidence.
  10. Persistent Escalation
    • Behaviour has continued for months despite warnings, police involvement, and council reports.
    • Often becomes more aggressive after each report.

Diary

The diary below lists incidents and observations in chronological groups.

10th November 2028

  • As like on the 27th October 2026 and previous times - Anthony James Prater steps out of his home to move my bin which was sat slightly in front of his gate. Noting again this is a minor thing, but I log this to express his anal-retentive over property lines.

January 2026 - October 2026

  • As like on the 27th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater steps out of his home to move my bin which was sat slightly in front of his gate.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

December 2025

  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected
  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected

January 2026 - October 2026

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

July 2026

  • Minor point, Anthony James Parter entered the right of access through our property, seeing a box of ours we had on the floor next to the bin, Anthony proceeded to kick the box unnecessarily.

July 2026

  • Minor point, Anthony James Parter entered the right of access through our property, seeing a box of ours we had on the floor next to the bin, Anthony proceeded to kick the box unnecessarily.

December 2025

  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected
  • Fri 12th Dec 2025 — Police come round for an incident with a stolen bike, they speak to Anthony J Prater in regards to getting neighbour reports on this situation.Anthony then proceeds to discuss us, saying we "have cameras all over the place" which we only put up due to Anthony terrozing us.He then repeats "I wouldnt piss on them if they were on fire". At one point a police officer says to Anthony "That's not very nice" in reference to the things Anthony was saying about us.He then tells the officer that he had moved a bin away from his gate in which he explains how he wheeled it, he then discusses that we were speaking to him through our front camera. As seen in a video above, he was actually kicking the bin towards the end of the path, so Maegan spoke through the microphone asking him not to kick our bin in which he responded calling Maegan a "Bastard".

November 2025

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
  • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
  • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
  • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
  • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

October 2025

  • 18 Oct 2025 — Patricia Prater was seen on the right-of-access discussing fence spikes installed on our property to deter wildlife.
  • Later the same day, a neighbour reported that Patricia had gone door-to-door asking to enter our garden and posted our address on Facebook.
  • Anthony Prater was later observed speaking with another neighbour about the spikes, encouraging them to "tell others about us."

September 2025

  • 16 Sep 2025 — Anthony pushed past the Maegan in the alleyway while she was pushing a pram. - Maegan was approaching the alleyway but could hear Anthony coming the other way, with that Anonthy stepped round the corner and focrfully pushed the pram out the way as Maegan was pushing the pram round the corner.

August 2025

  • Early August — Anthony verbally attacked the family from his platform; recorded leaving and returning holding an object in his right hand.
  • 6 Aug 2025 — Anthony kicked the back gate, breaking the latch so it no longer closes properly.
  • 9 Aug 2025 — Repeated banging on doors and walls throughout his house, described as random and aggressive.

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Pushing Our Bins into our Garden

  • 7 August 2025 — Anthony prater was caught on CCTV grabbing our brown bin, opening our gate and pushing the bin over into the garden, this was a random event, after we had put it back and locked the gate, he then moved it to the other part of the garden and pushed it over into that garden. On both occasions scattering rubbish everywhere.

July 2025

  • 8 Jul 2025 – onwards
  • When neighbour Maegan Whitehouse was outside, Anthony emerged with a stick, opened his gate, waved it and struck our bins.
  • Threats reported: "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck," and "My wife's told me not to hit you, but I will."
  • After hearing us sweeping, he threw lemons into our garden (lemons had been placed on his bin to block odour).
  • Frequent loud banging continued, and Anthony began watching/recording in the garden almost daily; one video shows his wife filming.
  • 18 Jul 2025 — Came outside with a camera, believed to be photographing ant powder placed by neighbour #24.
  • 22 Jul 2025 — Observed inspecting our back garden.

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Issue with Bins

  • 10 Jul 2025 — At this time it had been quite for a few weeks, we had the new fence and gate installed and we was constantly using it to push a pram out of the gate. One day we saw Anthony outside doing something to his bins. Within that day we had found that Anthony had placed two bins outside our new gate and chained them to his wall oposite our gate were we push the pram out.
  • Firstly it is illegal for him to place, leave, chain anything up on the right of access, especially if it causes issues for us. His plan was to cause issues for us to get the pram out, which it did.
  • I'd seen him in the garden and asked him to move the bins in which he had threatened me with violence "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck,".
  • We had reported the bins to the council but no responce and when we had phone it got passed from Planning Debt to Waste back to Planning.
  • Becuase this was in the middle of summer and due to ANthony drilling large holes in his bin to place a chain through them and due to the fact Anthony had a lot of cats which cats waste was being put into the bins, openly, not bagged, it was then starting to smell, the smell got so bad my partner (with baby at the time) had got ill, I myself had been sick a few times due to the increasing smells of hot cats waste simmering from these bins.
  • This left us with no option and we could not enjoy the garden.

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Other July incidents

  • Took photos of the front of our home.
  • Twice pushed our bin into our garden, scattering rubbish.

Spring 2025 (undated)

  • Repeatedly leaned over the wall telling our children to "move away from my wall" and saying "I could open this gate and it will hit you."
  • Confronted us about a new fence, claiming it was "1 inch on his land."

March 2025

  • 10 Mar (08:00) — Loud deliberate door-slamming followed by five minutes of hammering, which frightened children awake. Earlier that morning ladders were placed against the shared wall and holes drilled; upon return, two pieces of wood had been fixed there.
  • 9 Mar 2025 — Shouted at children playing; threatened to "open that gate" and make it hit them. Became verbally abusive, including insults and threats; entire exchange recorded on video.
  • 6 Mar 2025 (17:00) — While partner brought in washing, Anthony set a ladder against the wall, tugged at the washing line, then leaned on the wall staring directly into the kitchen window (video and photos exist).

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Painting the Wall Black

  • 5 Mar 2025 Anthony painted the wall black from his side.
  • 5 Mar 2025 (10:00) — From upstairs, Anthony photographed our garden and our daughter's bedroom window while she was inside. He shouted verbal abuse about the washing line, then wrote "Non Drying Paint" and rolled anti-climb paint across the wall (paint is toxic to children and pregnant women).
  • 2 Mar 2025 — Leaned over the wall yelling and calling Steve an "idiot."
  • 1 Mar 2025 — Initial March confrontation: shouted abuse at the pregnant partner, entered the right-of-access path
  • Landlady confirmed prior tenants had similar police issues.

2024

  • Reports to authorities
  • Incidents reported to the council; a representative visited but it was not resolved.
  • Two incidents reported to the police for property damage (awaiting updates).
  • Landlady confirmed previous tenants often contacted police about Anthony; neighbour at #18 once struck Anthony in self-defence.
  • General behaviour — Frequent shouting over the wall, entering the garden without permission, property damage, staring into the garden and the user's daughter's room, and overuse of the right-of-access gate to enter the garden; recorded evidence is held.
  • Specific incidents
  • July — Complained falsely about BBQ smoke.
  • 22 Aug — His cat defecated in our garden.
  • 23 Aug — Falsely accused us of shovelling the feces back into his garden.
  • Earlier: complained about protective mesh on the side gate despite it being a health measure; the gate he owns opens onto our property and has nearly injured the user.

2023 — Background

  • On moving in, Anthony shouted: "Anything your landlady's told you is a lie, she's a lying bitch." His wife greeted politely; he yelled at her.
  • Frequently leaned over the wall for one-sided conversations and often contradicted himself. Landlady warned about previous tenant conflicts.

Previous History

  • Before the incidents recorded in this diary, there is an established and well-documented history of problematic behaviour involving Anthony and previous occupants of the property. My landlady has confirmed that multiple earlier tenants experienced similar issues, with at least five previous tenants reporting incidents to the police during their tenancies.
  • We've learnt that a young lady used to live at our property but was so terrorized by Anthony which forced her out of this home.
  • My landlady also confirmed that Anthony had verbally abused members of her family in the past, and that she had been previously involved in a dispute where Anthony attempted to take her to court over routine home improvements. The bathroom installation carried out in the upstairs area prompted repeated complaints from Anthony, despite the works being lawful.
  • This background shows that the difficulties we are experiencing are not isolated or new, but part of a long-standing pattern of behaviour that has affected several unrelated tenants and neighbours.

Neighbour Conflicts

Anthony has demonstrated a clear pattern of conflict with multiple neighbours, showing a consistent behaviour of confrontation, complaints, and legal action.

21 Nov 2025 — Confrontation with Neighbour at 18 Humber Street

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
    • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
    • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
    • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
    • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

William at 24 Humber Street

William at 24 Humber Street will not speak with Anthony. It was reported that Anthony had verbally attacked William in the past, reporting William for various unnecessary minor issues with his gate and arguing over the right of way with William.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Gate Complaint

The previous neighbours at 18 Humber Street had a gate built at the end of their garden. Anthony complained to the council about this gate despite it not affecting him in any way.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Court Case Over Garden Bed

The same neighbours at 18 Humber Street had built a very small brick garden bed in their garden. The bricks were built up to Anthony's side of the wall and would not affect him or cause any issues. However, Anthony took the neighbour to court, which caused that neighbour to sell up after surprisingly losing in court. This is something Anthony had gloated about in one of the videos recorded as evidence.

Neighbours Across the Road – Police Reports

On what seemed to be a regular basis, the lady across the road had some issues with what appears to be an ex-boyfriend or husband, in which arguments had taken place outside on a few occasions. Anthony reported every argument to the police, which led the police to visit Anthony's property to discuss each one.

Unlawful and Potentially Criminal Actions

(Listed by behaviour category for clarity; subject to police determination.)

  1. Harassment & Intimidation –
  • Repeated verbal abuse, name-calling, threats (e.g. “break your neck,” “sort you out”).
  • Persistent unwanted contact, shouting over the wall, following conversations despite requests to stop.
  • Recording and photographing occupants, including a child in her bedroom.
  1. → Potential offences under Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
  2. Threats of Violence / Assault –
  • Direct threats to cause physical harm; aggressive posturing, waving a stick, banging, and intimidation with a possible weapon.
  1. → Possible offences under Public Order Act 1986 (s.4/5) and Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
  2. Criminal Damage –
  • Kicking and breaking the gate; painting and drilling into the shared wall; other property damage.
  1. → Criminal Damage Act 1971.
  2. Trespass / Misuse of Right of Access –
  • Entering or lingering on property beyond legal right-of-way; using gate to walk around garden.
  1. → Civil trespass; potential aggravating factor in harassment case.
  2. Voyeurism / Privacy Invasion –
  • Photographing and filming the garden and inside windows (including a minor child).
  1. → Possible breach of Data Protection Act 2018 and Section 67 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (if proved intent).
  2. Noise & Disturbance –
  • Repeated loud banging and shouting designed to cause alarm or distress.
  1. → Public Order Act s.5.
  2. Defamation / Malicious Communications –
  • Spreading false information to neighbours and online (via attempts to post on social media).
  1. → Malicious Communications Act 1988; Defamation Act 2013.
  2. Potential Health & Safety Breach –
  • Applying toxic anti-climb paint across the shared boundary; fumes dangerous to pregnant women and children.
  1. → Environmental Protection Act 1990; possible civil negligence.

Overall Impact on the Family

  • Safety fears: Family members record on phones whenever outside; feel unsafe even in the garden.
  • Children:
  • Daughter frightened after the March 9 incident; now sleeps in her brother’s room.
  • Partner’s son regularly expresses fear of Anthony, referencing his shouting and banging.
  • All children are restricted from freely playing outdoors.
  • Partner:
  • Suffers anxiety, avoids the garden, and was disturbed by harassment during pregnancy and toxic paint fumes.
  • Has been directly insulted and humiliated by Anthony’s verbal abuse.
  • Myself (Steven Roberts):
  • Constant vigilance; loss of privacy; disrupted work and sleep from banging and fear of confrontation.
  • Emotional exhaustion from protecting family and collecting evidence.
  • Home environment:
  • Garden and shared access areas no longer feel safe.
  • Continuous stress affects household harmony and children’s wellbeing.

Planning Issues

For several years, multiple households have experienced ongoing issues caused by the structures and behaviour of Anthony James Prater at 20 Humber Street. The primary concern is a large raised concrete platform, constructed without planning permission and built within the last 10 years, alongside several self-installed upper-floor windows, a secondary raised platform, and a number of CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring properties.

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These structures give Mr Prater a direct and elevated view into adjoining gardens, patio doors, bedrooms, and living areas. He repeatedly uses these elevated positions to watch, photograph, record, and shout at neighbouring families, including myself, my partner, and our children. This behaviour has been documented in both photos and videos, and has contributed to ongoing police investigations and an active anti-social behaviour case.

​

The platform has escalated privacy invasion, loss of amenity, and distress for several households, not just ours. Neighbours at No. 18 have also been subjected to confrontations regarding their bay window and reported similar intimidation. The combination of an unlawful structure and persistent hostile conduct has caused long-term anxiety, fear in children, inability to use garden spaces safely, and general deterioration of neighbour wellbeing.

​

The raised platform is not simply an unauthorised structure — it has become a tool used for harassment, monitoring, and intimidation, with clear impact on family life, mental health, privacy, and safety. It affects all adjoining properties, not only our own.

​

The situation requires a full reassessment by planning enforcement, taking into account the physical planning breaches, the timeline of construction, and the documented use of these structures to facilitate harassment.

For several years, multiple households have experienced ongoing issues caused by the structures and behaviour of Anthony James Prater at 20 Humber Street. The primary concern is a large raised concrete platform, constructed without planning permission and built within the last 10 years, alongside several self-installed upper-floor windows, a secondary raised platform, and a number of CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring properties.

​

These structures give Mr Prater a direct and elevated view into adjoining gardens, patio doors, bedrooms, and living areas. He repeatedly uses these elevated positions to watch, photograph, record, and shout at neighbouring families, including myself, my partner, and our children. This behaviour has been documented in both photos and videos, and has contributed to ongoing police investigations and an active anti-social behaviour case.

​

The platform has escalated privacy invasion, loss of amenity, and distress for several households, not just ours. Neighbours at No. 18 have also been subjected to confrontations regarding their bay window and reported similar intimidation. The combination of an unlawful structure and persistent hostile conduct has caused long-term anxiety, fear in children, inability to use garden spaces safely, and general deterioration of neighbour wellbeing.

​

The raised platform is not simply an unauthorised structure — it has become a tool used for harassment, monitoring, and intimidation, with clear impact on family life, mental health, privacy, and safety. It affects all adjoining properties, not only our own.

​

The situation requires a full reassessment by planning enforcement, taking into account the physical planning breaches, the timeline of construction, and the documented use of these structures to facilitate harassment.Google Street View: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Humber+St,+Cleethorpes/@53.5570762,-0.0258027,14a,15y,119.77h,90.88t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA!2e0!5s20170601T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.clients6.google.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.8818204550761379%26panoid%3D-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA%26yaw%3D119.76835601483876!7i13312!8i6656!4m6!3m5!1s0x487882b61f62f78b:0xec7ef03d95154d46!8m2!3d53.556435!4d-0.0249651!16s%2Fg%2F1tdk9ld1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

August 2014 - Neither the top bay window or the platform exists. Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

August 2014 - Neither the top bay window or the platform exists. Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

Planning Conversation Diary

Concerns Regarding 20 Humber Street, Cleethorpes (Property of Anthony J. Prater)

Compiled from correspondence between March 2024 and July 2025

​

Overview

Since 2024 I (Steve Roberts, 22 Humber Street) have raised repeated planning-related concerns to North East Lincolnshire Council regarding unapproved structures and alterations at 20 Humber Street, owned by Anthony James Prater.

​

These concerns relate to:

​

A raised viewing platform built within the last 10 years

Several upper-floor windows overlooking my home and my daughter’s bedroom

An elevated outdoor entrance/landing

A ground-level wraparound platform that leads to the raised platform

Cameras pointing directly into neighbouring gardens

A gate from No. 20 that dangerously opens into my property

Associated harassment, privacy invasion, and safety risks caused by these structures

This report summarises my communications with the council’s planning team, in date order, and documents how the issue has escalated due to both the structures themselves and the way they are being used by the neighbour to harass adjoining households.

​

Chronological Record of Planning Correspondence

27/08/2024 — Initial Report of Planning Breaches

I submitted a detailed report expressing concerns about:

​

A raised platform built alongside my boundary, allowing Anthony to sit on plastic chairs and overlook my entire garden and into my lower patio windows and upper-floor bedrooms.

Four self-installed upper-floor windows directly facing my garden and my daughter’s room.

Two visible CCTV cameras (and a possible third), one entirely overlooking No. 18’s garden, and one covering my whole garden.

A gate that opens into my property, posing danger to my children.

Regular misuse of that gate and excessive access through my garden.

An opening under his gate encouraging his cats into my garden, where they fouled routinely.

My concerns around privacy, safety, and having to record interactions due to harassment.

I asked how these structures were approved and whether they complied with planning regulations.

​

19/03/2024 — Council Requests Clarification

Angela Tynan (Planning) requested the specific property number. I confirmed it was 20 Humber Street and described restricted access at the back, loss of light, a landlord who previously claimed the structure would be removed, confusion about land ownership, a visible electrical cable suspended over the access path, and general concerns about how this structure was allowed.

​

26/03/2025 — Follow-Up Report with Evidence

I sent a further report outlining that the platform joins directly to the shared boundary; when Anthony stands on it he is visible from the waist up over our fence. I provided photo and video evidence of him taking pictures and of threatening behaviour. I requested clarity on which department could address the structure. The council replied they could take no enforcement action and referred me back to a letter they claim to have sent in September 2024, and closed the enquiry.

​

30/04/2025 — Escalation and New Evidence

I reopened the issue (Case 00075633), provided new photos, highlighted the construction timeline, emphasised police involvement (crime ref 25000057389), and requested a proper investigation. I stated intention to escalate if no reply by 14 May.

​

06/05/2025 — Council Acknowledgement

Susanne Ellis confirmed forwarding my email and evidence to the original investigator, Martin Ambler.

​

15/05/2025 — Request for Platform Re-Investigation

I asked for the raised platform to be reconsidered, why no officer had accessed my property for inspection, and explained this issue formed part of a broader harassment case. Council response noted the previous officer had left and that the matter had been investigated; a 2024 outcome letter was attached (not included here).

​

11/07/2025 — Renewed Concerns About Lack of Investigation

I explained I had little faith in the council process, that no one attended my address in September 2024 to view the structure properly, and requested urgent review given active police/ASB involvement.

​

14/07/2025 — Formal Appeal for Action

I submitted a detailed summary arguing the platform was built after 2017 and not immune from enforcement, that no planning permission existed for the platform, upper-floor entrance or additional windows, and that these structures were being used as tools of harassment. I raised additional safety and nuisance concerns and reiterated Police and ASB involvement.

​

18/07/2025 — Confirmation of Forwarding

Lesley confirmed my July email had been forwarded to Martin Ambler and he would respond on his return.

​

Key Planning Concerns Summarised

Raised Platform (Primary Issue) — Constructed after 2017 with no evidence of planning permission; allows visibility into garden and bedroom; used to watch, film, shout at and threaten family; represents planning breach and ASB risk.

Upper-Floor Windows — Self-installed without permission, facing neighbouring gardens and bedrooms.

Secondary Raised Area / Landing — Built along shared boundary and used daily as an observation point.

CCTV Cameras — Positioned to monitor neighbouring gardens, one covering whole garden and another aimed at No.18.

Dangerous Gate — Opens into my property and has nearly struck my daughter.

Possible Boundary / Ownership Issues — Uncertainty whether platform occupies legally owned land.

Safety & Nuisance — Bins chained to property, cats entering through gate, waste causing flies, and a hanging electrical cable.

Conclusion

Between March 2024 and July 2025 I submitted multiple reports, provided photographs, maps and evidence, and requested inspection from my property where the impact is visible. I was repeatedly told no enforcement action could be taken despite the platform appearing within the 10-year enforcement window, lacking planning permission, and being used to harass neighbours. The platform is therefore both a planning concern and an active tool of harassment.

16th October 2026Rebuilding + Painting Platform

On 16th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] rebuilding the steps before painting them. This displays that Anthony James Prater has now changed the steps. I did contact the counil regarding this but they referred to the 4-year rule which was”In UK planning law, if an unauthorized structure (like a balcony or steps) stays in place for a continuous period without the council taking enforcement action, it becomes "immune" from enforcement. Once immune, the council can no longer force the owner to take it down or modify it, even if it breaches privacy rules.”HoweverIf the neighbour recently demolished the old steps and rebuilt them, this completely resets the clock for planning enforcement.

Under UK planning law, building a new structure—or substantially rebuilding an existing one—is classified as a fresh operational development. They cannot claim the "4-year/10-year rule" immunity for a structure that was recently taken down and replaced.

​

Here is why this changes everything and what you can do about it:

​

1. Why Rebuilding Resets the Immunity Clock

    • Demolition ends the original immunity: Once a structure is demolished or substantially taken down, any planning immunity attached to the old structure is lost.
    • New development requires permission: Rebuilding raised steps (especially if higher than 30 cm or attached to a balcony) is a brand-new development. Because it was carried out recently, it falls under the current enforcement rules (and the 10-year rule introduced in April 2024 for new works in England).
    • Changes in design or size: Even if they tried to claim it was just "maintenance," if the new steps are larger, higher, constructed from different materials, or positioned differently, it is legally a new structure and requires full planning permission.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

Planning Legal Issues & Actions

Overview

A raised platform over 30cm requires planning permission and is considered unauthorised development if constructed without approval. Mr Prater’s platform did not exist before 2017/2018, therefore it is within the 10-year enforcement period and does not qualify for immunity. In addition to being unlawfully built, it is being used in a way that causes harassment, loss of privacy, and nuisance to neighbours.

​

Because of this, the council should take planning enforcement action requiring its removal and should consider ASB measures due to the platform being used as a position to intimidate neighbours. The council has legal grounds under both planning law and the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to intervene.

​

1. Planning Permission Rules for Raised Platforms (UK Law)

1.1 A raised platform almost always requires planning permission

Under UK planning law (The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 & GPDO 2015):

​

Any platform, balcony, raised deck, terrace or similar structure over 30cm (about 1ft) requires planning permission.

This applies even in a rear garden.

These structures are treated the same as balconies and roof terraces because they can overlook neighbours and cause privacy/nuisance issues.

So if his platform is around 3ft off the ground (as stated earlier), then it 100% requires planning permission.

1.2 If no permission was applied for or granted

Then the structure is:

Unauthorised development

A breach of planning control

This means the council can take enforcement action

2. Does the 4-year rule protect him?

No — absolutely not.

​

The 4-year rule only applies to:

Building a new dwelling

Changing a building into a single residential dwelling

Carrying out operational development that creates a new building

A raised platform is not a building, so the 4-year rule does not apply.

Instead, it falls under the 10-year rule for unauthorised changes in use or breaches of conditions.

​

To clarify, the platform did not exist prior to 2017/2018. It was built well within the last 10 years. Therefore, the 4-year immunity rule does not apply. A raised platform requires planning permission regardless of age.

3. How “harassment / nuisance” affects planning enforcement

Even if a structure could theoretically become lawful through time, it does NOT become lawful if:

​

It is being used in a way that creates a nuisance,

Causes loss of privacy,

Or is used deliberately to harass neighbours.

The council has a duty to consider:

​

3.1 Loss of privacy

A raised platform allowing someone to look over fences/windows is a major planning breach.

​

3.2 Noise, shouting, intimidation from the structure

If he is using the platform as a “lookout” to shout at neighbours, confront them, film them, etc — this raises safeguarding concerns.

​

3.3 Anti-social behaviour & harassment

Local authorities have powers under:

​

ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Nuisance behaviour policies

So planning + ASB can both apply at the same time.

​

4. What the council can and should do now

Here’s what the council is expected to do once a raised platform with nuisance/harassment is reported:

​

4.1 Conduct a site inspection

Planning enforcement should:

Inspect the platform

Measure its height

Determine overlooking impact

Check council records (no planning permission exists)

4.2 Issue a Planning Enforcement Notice

Because:

It is unauthorised operational development

It is under 10 years old

It is causing harm to neighbours

The enforcement notice would require:

Removal of the raised platform entirely

OR

Reducing it below 30cm

OR

Adding screening (not recommended in this case)

4.3 Issue a Community Protection Warning / Notice (ASB)

If he is:

Shouting from the platform

Using it to watch neighbours

Using it to intimidate

Has a history of abusive behaviour (which he does)

The council’s ASB team can issue:

A Community Protection Warning (CPW)

If behaviour continues → A Community Protection Notice (CPN)

Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence.

4.4 Require retrospective planning permission

They may allow him to submit a retrospective planning application, but:

It should be refused.

Because the platform:

Causes overlooking

Has a harmful impact on neighbours

Is used in a way that escalates conflict

Never should have been built

If refused → the enforcement notice forces its removal.

4.5 Multi-agency review (strongly applicable in this case)

Because he has:

A history of confrontations

Multiple neighbour reports

Behaviour that may be escalating

A pattern of harassing behaviour from the platform

The council should involve:

Planning Enforcement

ASB Team

Environmental Health

Housing (if applicable)

Police (if harassment continues)

Property Map

Map / image of the neighbouring properties.

Overview

For a long period of time, our neighbour, Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater has repeatedly targeted our family with ongoing harassment, intimidation, and behaviour intended to cause fear, distress, and disruption. This has included:

  1. Verbal Abuse & Threats
    • Persistent shouting of insults over the wall at myself and my partner.
    • Direct threats such as “I’ll break your neck” and “I’ll sort you out.”
    • Aggressive confrontation toward our children, including warnings such as “I could open this gate and it will hit you.”
  2. Filming, Photographing & Watching Us
    • Taking photographs of our garden, our home, and even our daughter’s bedroom window while she was inside getting ready.
    • Using his raised platform to stand above the boundary and watch, film, or stare into our garden regularly.
    • His wife has also recorded us in our garden.
  3. Intimidating Behaviour Using His Platform
    • Repeatedly climbing onto or leaning over the raised platform specifically to confront, observe, or intimidate us.
    • Using the platform as a vantage point to shout down at us or our children.
  4. Threatening Movements & Possible Weapon
    • On camera, he went back into his property mid-argument and returned concealing something in his right hand that could have been a weapon, which he held behind his leg.
  5. Trespass & Misuse of Right of Access
    • Entering our garden or lingering in the right-of-way beyond what is reasonable.
    • Walking around our garden unnecessarily and approaching private areas of our property.
  6. Damage to Property
    • Kicking and breaking our gate so it no longer closes properly.
    • Drilling into the shared wall without permission and attaching wood to it.
    • Painting our side of the wall black with anti-climb paint.
    • Pulling at our washing line and attempting to dislodge it.
  7. Noise Harassment
    • Daily loud banging, slamming, hammering, drilling, cutting, and workshop-level noise coming from inside his home.
    • Noise appears deliberate and intended to disturb, especially following confrontations.
  8. Behaviour Toward Our Children
    • Leaning over the wall and shouting at our children while playing.
    • Making statements implying they could be injured by the gate.
    • Making them feel unsafe in their own garden and home.
  9. Spreading False Information
    • Talking to neighbours about us to turn them against us.
    • Asking neighbours to post our names and address on Facebook.
    • Making false reports against us to the police without evidence.
  10. Persistent Escalation
    • Behaviour has continued for months despite warnings, police involvement, and council reports.
    • Often becomes more aggressive after each report.

​

Note: There is a history of this from Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater against many previous tenants and previous owners at 22 Humber Street and a various Neighbours. It currently stands that Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater have fallen out with 6 neighbours on Humber Street, Cleethorpes.

ANTHONY JAMES PRATER and partner PATRICIA ANNE PRATERI want to express the physiological strange behaviours that both have that comes up in the following logs.Descriptive & Psychological Terms

  • Territorial: Someone who acts like an animal marking or fiercely guarding their physical domain.
  • Hyper-vigilant: Someone who constantly monitors, watches, or stresses over potential "violations" or movements near their boundaries.
  • Litigious: Quick to threaten lawsuits, call the council/police, or take legal action over minor boundary overlaps.
  • Anal-retentive: An informal psychological term for someone overly neat, rigid, and fixated on rules, order, or exact lines, in this case over property lines (see log regarding 3 inches property line)

Diary

The diary below lists incidents and observations in chronological groups.

10th November 2028

  • Anthony James Prater recorded leaning over the wall, looking into our property window whilst installing wooden planks with nails attached to them on this edge of the wall.I believe this is some sort of intimidation tactic. Unfortunately the noise and worry of seeing this man on top of the wall had scared our youngest child.

Issues

​

  • Risk of injury: Anthony must not create a foreseeable hazard to people nearby. Even occupiers can owe a duty regarding known dangers to people who may come near them, including trespassers in some circumstances. A hazard facing into your garden, where children lawfully play, is more concerning. Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984, section 1
  • Dangerous structure: North East Lincolnshire Council says garden walls and fences can qualify as dangerous structures. Building Control can require an owner to make a structure safe under sections 77–78 of the Building Act 1984. This route is particularly relevant if the spikes are accessible, projecting into your side, loosely installed, or likely to fall. NELC dangerous structures guidance
  • Boundary encroachment: If any timber, screw, nail or fixing crosses the legal boundary or projects into your airspace, that may constitute civil trespass. However, the fact that Anthony originally built the wall does not prove that he owns the whole wall or the land beneath it. Title plans usually show only general boundaries; the deeds and historical evidence matter. HM Land Registry boundary guidance
  • Party-wall issues: If the wall stands astride the boundary, it may be a “party fence wall.” Certain work to a party wall requires notice to the adjoining owner. As you rent, your landlord would normally need to pursue this aspect. Minor surface fixings may not engage the Act, but drilling into or materially altering a party wall might. Government Party Wall guidance
  • Planning permission: Adding the strip and spikes may count as increasing the wall’s height. Normally, a boundary wall may be up to two metres high away from a highway, or one metre next to a vehicle highway or its pavement. Increasing the height of a wall already above those limits generally requires permission. Planning Portal guidance
  • Harassment/ASB context: Installing security spikes is not, by itself, necessarily harassment. But if they face your garden or create a deliberate danger, the installation could be relevant evidence within the existing pattern—particularly alongside previous threats, wall alterations and conduct involving your children. Harassment requires a course of conduct, while NELC treats conduct causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress as potential ASB. Protection from Harassment Act 1997, NELC ASB guidance

10th November 2028

  • As like on the 27th October 2026 and previous times - Anthony James Prater steps out of his home to move my bin which was sat slightly in front of his gate. Noting again this is a minor thing, but I log this to express his anal-retentive over property lines.

16th October 2026Rebuilding + Painting Platform

On 16th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] rebuilding the steps before painting them. This displays that Anthony James Prater has now changed the steps. I did contact the counil regarding this but they referred to the 4-year rule which was”In UK planning law, if an unauthorized structure (like a balcony or steps) stays in place for a continuous period without the council taking enforcement action, it becomes "immune" from enforcement. Once immune, the council can no longer force the owner to take it down or modify it, even if it breaches privacy rules.”HoweverIf the neighbour recently demolished the old steps and rebuilt them, this completely resets the clock for planning enforcement.

Under UK planning law, building a new structure—or substantially rebuilding an existing one—is classified as a fresh operational development. They cannot claim the "4-year/10-year rule" immunity for a structure that was recently taken down and replaced.

​

Here is why this changes everything and what you can do about it:

​

1. Why Rebuilding Resets the Immunity Clock

    • Demolition ends the original immunity: Once a structure is demolished or substantially taken down, any planning immunity attached to the old structure is lost.
    • New development requires permission: Rebuilding raised steps (especially if higher than 30 cm or attached to a balcony) is a brand-new development. Because it was carried out recently, it falls under the current enforcement rules (and the 10-year rule introduced in April 2024 for new works in England).
    • Changes in design or size: Even if they tried to claim it was just "maintenance," if the new steps are larger, higher, constructed from different materials, or positioned differently, it is legally a new structure and requires full planning permission.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

2nd October 2026

  • I log this just to express Anthony James Praters strange anal-retentive, hyper-vigilant behaviour. Our neighbours at 18 Humber Street was painting their wall Blue (At which we joked with the neighbour Pete about this, saying Anthony will not like this, but also at that time we both discussed how we have not heard much from him recently), On this date Anthony James Prater felt the need to go outside and place a bed sheet over the plastic sheeting Pete at 18 Humber Street had put over the fence to protect it from paint. Again I only log this to express the strange nature of Anthony James Prater.

July 2026

  • Minor point, Anthony James Prater entered the right of access through our property, seeing a box of ours we had on the floor next to the bin, Anthony proceeded to kick the box unnecessarily.

January 2026 - October 2026

  • 27th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater when moving his bin out, decided my bin was too encroaching over his side of the front, so decided to move it back. This is a minor thing, but I log this to express his anal-retentive over property lines.
  • Mostly throughout this period Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater have been a little more quite, however on numerous occasions we have been been outside in our garden and been watched from there windows. Anthony James Prater and Patricia Ann Prater have both stood at the windows in an intimidating way looking down at Maegan, Steve and the kids. From a personal point of view from what we can see, without jumping to any conclusions they are forcefully trying to intimidate us and show there presence.

December 2025

  • 1 Dec 2025 — Patricia Prater stood in the same place at the window watching as Maegan and child leave the house, walking through the garden, feels now to be intimidating.
  • 30 Nov 2025 — Patricia Prater stood at window watching myself walking into the garden, continues to watch me as I walk towards the door, making her presence known.
  • 9 Dec 2025 — Between 11:00 and 11:06Our bin at some point after the bin men had come our bin had fallen over.On CCTV we had a notification that Anthony Prater was coming outside, we watched as he then proceeded to angrly kick our bin towards our wall.After which he then walked back towards his door shouting towards our front camera "You wanna pick the bin up you lazy bastards".The bin was left hanging pover the road, strangely a pacrked van then moved it back onto the path which is unconnected
  • Fri 12th Dec 2025 — Police come round for an incident with a stolen bike, they speak to Anthony J Prater in regards to getting neighbour reports on this situation.Anthony then proceeds to discuss us, saying we "have cameras all over the place" which we only put up due to Anthony terrozing us.He then repeats "I wouldnt piss on them if they were on fire". At one point a police officer says to Anthony "That's not very nice" in reference to the things Anthony was saying about us.He then tells the officer that he had moved a bin away from his gate in which he explains how he wheeled it, he then discusses that we were speaking to him through our front camera. As seen in a video above, he was actually kicking the bin towards the end of the path, so Maegan spoke through the microphone asking him not to kick our bin in which he responded calling Maegan a "Bastard".

November 2025

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
  • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
  • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
  • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
  • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

October 2025

  • 18 Oct 2025 — Patricia Prater was seen on the right-of-access discussing fence spikes installed on our property to deter wildlife.
  • Later the same day, a neighbour reported that Patricia had gone door-to-door asking to enter our garden and posted our address on Facebook.
  • Anthony Prater was later observed speaking with another neighbour about the spikes, encouraging them to "tell others about us."

September 2025

  • 16 Sep 2025 — Anthony pushed past the Maegan in the alleyway while she was pushing a pram. - Maegan was approaching the alleyway but could hear Anthony coming the other way, with that Anonthy stepped round the corner and focrfully pushed the pram out the way as Maegan was pushing the pram round the corner.

August 2025

  • Early August — Anthony verbally attacked the family from his platform; recorded leaving and returning holding an object in his right hand.
  • 6 Aug 2025 — Anthony kicked the back gate, breaking the latch so it no longer closes properly.
  • 9 Aug 2025 — Repeated banging on doors and walls throughout his house, described as random and aggressive.

​

Pushing Our Bins into our Garden

  • 7 August 2025 — Anthony prater was caught on CCTV grabbing our brown bin, opening our gate and pushing the bin over into the garden, this was a random event, after we had put it back and locked the gate, he then moved it to the other part of the garden and pushed it over into that garden. On both occasions scattering rubbish everywhere.

July 2025

  • 8 Jul 2025 – onwards
  • When neighbour Maegan Whitehouse was outside, Anthony emerged with a stick, opened his gate, waved it and struck our bins.
  • Threats reported: "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck," and "My wife's told me not to hit you, but I will."
  • After hearing us sweeping, he threw lemons into our garden (lemons had been placed on his bin to block odour).
  • Frequent loud banging continued, and Anthony began watching/recording in the garden almost daily; one video shows his wife filming.
  • 18 Jul 2025 — Came outside with a camera, believed to be photographing ant powder placed by neighbour #24.
  • 22 Jul 2025 — Observed inspecting our back garden.

​

Issue with Bins

  • 10 Jul 2025 — At this time it had been quite for a few weeks, we had the new fence and gate installed and we was constantly using it to push a pram out of the gate. One day we saw Anthony outside doing something to his bins. Within that day we had found that Anthony had placed two bins outside our new gate and chained them to his wall oposite our gate were we push the pram out.
  • Firstly it is illegal for him to place, leave, chain anything up on the right of access, especially if it causes issues for us. His plan was to cause issues for us to get the pram out, which it did.
  • I'd seen him in the garden and asked him to move the bins in which he had threatened me with violence "Talk to me again and I'll break your neck,".
  • We had reported the bins to the council but no responce and when we had phone it got passed from Planning Debt to Waste back to Planning.
  • Becuase this was in the middle of summer and due to ANthony drilling large holes in his bin to place a chain through them and due to the fact Anthony had a lot of cats which cats waste was being put into the bins, openly, not bagged, it was then starting to smell, the smell got so bad my partner (with baby at the time) had got ill, I myself had been sick a few times due to the increasing smells of hot cats waste simmering from these bins.
  • This left us with no option and we could not enjoy the garden.

​

Other July incidents

  • Took photos of the front of our home.
  • Twice pushed our bin into our garden, scattering rubbish.

Spring 2025 (undated)

  • Repeatedly leaned over the wall telling our children to "move away from my wall" and saying "I could open this gate and it will hit you."
  • Confronted us about a new fence, claiming it was "1 inch on his land."

March 2025

  • 10 Mar (08:00) — Loud deliberate door-slamming followed by five minutes of hammering, which frightened children awake. Earlier that morning ladders were placed against the shared wall and holes drilled; upon return, two pieces of wood had been fixed there.
  • 9 Mar 2025 — Shouted at children playing; threatened to "open that gate" and make it hit them. Became verbally abusive, including insults and threats; entire exchange recorded on video.
  • 6 Mar 2025 (17:00) — While partner brought in washing, Anthony set a ladder against the wall, tugged at the washing line, then leaned on the wall staring directly into the kitchen window (video and photos exist).

​

Painting the Wall Black

  • 5 Mar 2025 Anthony painted the wall black from his side.
  • 5 Mar 2025 (10:00) — From upstairs, Anthony photographed our garden and our daughter's bedroom window while she was inside. He shouted verbal abuse about the washing line, then wrote "Non Drying Paint" and rolled anti-climb paint across the wall (paint is toxic to children and pregnant women).
  • 2 Mar 2025 — Leaned over the wall yelling and calling Steve an "idiot."
  • 1 Mar 2025 — Initial March confrontation: shouted abuse at the pregnant partner, entered the right-of-access path
  • Landlady confirmed prior tenants had similar police issues.

2024

  • Reports to authorities
  • Incidents reported to the council; a representative visited but it was not resolved.
  • Two incidents reported to the police for property damage (awaiting updates).
  • Landlady confirmed previous tenants often contacted police about Anthony; neighbour at #18 once struck Anthony in self-defence.
  • General behaviour — Frequent shouting over the wall, entering the garden without permission, property damage, staring into the garden and the user's daughter's room, and overuse of the right-of-access gate to enter the garden; recorded evidence is held.
  • Specific incidents
  • July — Complained falsely about BBQ smoke.
  • 22 Aug — His cat defecated in our garden.
  • 23 Aug — Falsely accused us of shovelling the feces back into his garden.
  • Earlier: complained about protective mesh on the side gate despite it being a health measure; the gate he owns opens onto our property and has nearly injured the user.

2023 — Background

  • On moving in, Anthony shouted: "Anything your landlady's told you is a lie, she's a lying bitch." His wife greeted politely; he yelled at her.
  • Frequently leaned over the wall for one-sided conversations and often contradicted himself. Landlady warned about previous tenant conflicts.

Previous History

  • Before the incidents recorded in this diary, there is an established and well-documented history of problematic behaviour involving Anthony and previous occupants of the property. My landlady has confirmed that multiple earlier tenants experienced similar issues, with at least five previous tenants reporting incidents to the police during their tenancies.
  • We've learnt that a young lady used to live at our property but was so terrorized by Anthony which forced her out of this home.
  • My landlady also confirmed that Anthony had verbally abused members of her family in the past, and that she had been previously involved in a dispute where Anthony attempted to take her to court over routine home improvements. The bathroom installation carried out in the upstairs area prompted repeated complaints from Anthony, despite the works being lawful.
  • This background shows that the difficulties we are experiencing are not isolated or new, but part of a long-standing pattern of behaviour that has affected several unrelated tenants and neighbours.

Neighbour Conflicts

Anthony has demonstrated a clear pattern of conflict with multiple neighbours, showing a consistent behaviour of confrontation, complaints, and legal action.

21 Nov 2025 — Confrontation with Neighbour at 18 Humber Street

  • 21 Nov 2025 (Approx. 15:00) — Confrontation between Anthony Prater and neighbour at 18 Humber Street
    • At approximately 15:00 on Friday, Anthony Prater confronted the neighbour at 18 Humber Street regarding a bay window installation. Anthony claimed the window projected too far outward despite the builder confirming it was within legal limits.
    • Anthony became visibly angry and confrontational with the builder and occupants of No. 18, raising his voice and escalating the situation. During the argument he stated: “This makes me an angry, miserable, vindictive bastard.” and then trailed into an implied threat with “And when I become that I…”.
    • The neighbour attempted to redirect the conversation; the builder responded calmly: “You don’t need to be rude.”
    • Earlier that day Anthony had been at the rear of his house, standing two storeys up on his extension and shouting down to No. 18, already showing signs of agitation.

William at 24 Humber Street

William at 24 Humber Street will not speak with Anthony. It was reported that Anthony had verbally attacked William in the past, reporting William for various unnecessary minor issues with his gate and arguing over the right of way with William.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Gate Complaint

The previous neighbours at 18 Humber Street had a gate built at the end of their garden. Anthony complained to the council about this gate despite it not affecting him in any way.

Previous Neighbours at 18 Humber Street – Court Case Over Garden Bed

The same neighbours at 18 Humber Street had built a very small brick garden bed in their garden. The bricks were built up to Anthony's side of the wall and would not affect him or cause any issues. However, Anthony took the neighbour to court, which caused that neighbour to sell up after surprisingly losing in court. This is something Anthony had gloated about in one of the videos recorded as evidence.

Neighbours Across the Road – Police Reports

On what seemed to be a regular basis, the lady across the road had some issues with what appears to be an ex-boyfriend or husband, in which arguments had taken place outside on a few occasions. Anthony reported every argument to the police, which led the police to visit Anthony's property to discuss each one.

Unlawful and Potentially Criminal Actions

(Listed by behaviour category for clarity; subject to police determination.)

  1. Harassment & Intimidation –
  • Repeated verbal abuse, name-calling, threats (e.g. “break your neck,” “sort you out”).
  • Persistent unwanted contact, shouting over the wall, following conversations despite requests to stop.
  • Recording and photographing occupants, including a child in her bedroom.
  1. → Potential offences under Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
  2. Threats of Violence / Assault –
  • Direct threats to cause physical harm; aggressive posturing, waving a stick, banging, and intimidation with a possible weapon.
  1. → Possible offences under Public Order Act 1986 (s.4/5) and Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
  2. Criminal Damage –
  • Kicking and breaking the gate; painting and drilling into the shared wall; other property damage.
  1. → Criminal Damage Act 1971.
  2. Trespass / Misuse of Right of Access –
  • Entering or lingering on property beyond legal right-of-way; using gate to walk around garden.
  1. → Civil trespass; potential aggravating factor in harassment case.
  2. Voyeurism / Privacy Invasion –
  • Photographing and filming the garden and inside windows (including a minor child).
  1. → Possible breach of Data Protection Act 2018 and Section 67 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (if proved intent).
  2. Noise & Disturbance –
  • Repeated loud banging and shouting designed to cause alarm or distress.
  1. → Public Order Act s.5.
  2. Defamation / Malicious Communications –
  • Spreading false information to neighbours and online (via attempts to post on social media).
  1. → Malicious Communications Act 1988; Defamation Act 2013.
  2. Potential Health & Safety Breach –
  • Applying toxic anti-climb paint across the shared boundary; fumes dangerous to pregnant women and children.
  1. → Environmental Protection Act 1990; possible civil negligence.

Overall Impact on the Family

  • Safety fears: Family members record on phones whenever outside; feel unsafe even in the garden.
  • Children:
  • Daughter frightened after the March 9 incident; now sleeps in her brother’s room.
  • Partner’s son regularly expresses fear of Anthony, referencing his shouting and banging.
  • All children are restricted from freely playing outdoors.
  • Partner:
  • Suffers anxiety, avoids the garden, and was disturbed by harassment during pregnancy and toxic paint fumes.
  • Has been directly insulted and humiliated by Anthony’s verbal abuse.
  • Myself (Steven Roberts):
  • Constant vigilance; loss of privacy; disrupted work and sleep from banging and fear of confrontation.
  • Emotional exhaustion from protecting family and collecting evidence.
  • Home environment:
  • Garden and shared access areas no longer feel safe.
  • Continuous stress affects household harmony and children’s wellbeing.

Planning Issues

For several years, multiple households have experienced ongoing issues caused by the structures and behaviour of Anthony James Prater at 20 Humber Street. The primary concern is a large raised concrete platform, constructed without planning permission and built within the last 10 years, alongside several self-installed upper-floor windows, a secondary raised platform, and a number of CCTV cameras overlooking neighbouring properties.

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These structures give Mr Prater a direct and elevated view into adjoining gardens, patio doors, bedrooms, and living areas. He repeatedly uses these elevated positions to watch, photograph, record, and shout at neighbouring families, including myself, my partner, and our children. This behaviour has been documented in both photos and videos, and has contributed to ongoing police investigations and an active anti-social behaviour case.

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The platform has escalated privacy invasion, loss of amenity, and distress for several households, not just ours. Neighbours at No. 18 have also been subjected to confrontations regarding their bay window and reported similar intimidation. The combination of an unlawful structure and persistent hostile conduct has caused long-term anxiety, fear in children, inability to use garden spaces safely, and general deterioration of neighbour wellbeing.

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The raised platform is not simply an unauthorised structure — it has become a tool used for harassment, monitoring, and intimidation, with clear impact on family life, mental health, privacy, and safety. It affects all adjoining properties, not only our own.

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The situation requires a full reassessment by planning enforcement, taking into account the physical planning breaches, the timeline of construction, and the documented use of these structures to facilitate harassment.Google Street View: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Humber+St,+Cleethorpes/@53.5570762,-0.0258027,14a,15y,119.77h,90.88t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1s-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA!2e0!5s20170601T000000!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.clients6.google.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.8818204550761379%26panoid%3D-hzTvaSQTYoCXfrRP77WCA%26yaw%3D119.76835601483876!7i13312!8i6656!4m6!3m5!1s0x487882b61f62f78b:0xec7ef03d95154d46!8m2!3d53.556435!4d-0.0249651!16s%2Fg%2F1tdk9ld1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

June 2017 - Clearly seeing that the top bay window has only been constructed, therefore the platform isn’t visible.Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

August 2014 - Neither the top bay window or the platform exists. Neither is one window that exists now. The 8ft wall between also isn’t visible and seems to not exist.

20 Humber Street - Platform prior to being rebuilt.

Planning Conversation Diary

Concerns Regarding 20 Humber Street, Cleethorpes (Property of Anthony J. Prater)

Compiled from correspondence between March 2024 and July 2025

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Overview

Since 2024 I (Steve Roberts, 22 Humber Street) have raised repeated planning-related concerns to North East Lincolnshire Council regarding unapproved structures and alterations at 20 Humber Street, owned by Anthony James Prater.

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These concerns relate to:

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A raised viewing platform built within the last 10 years

Several upper-floor windows overlooking my home and my daughter’s bedroom

An elevated outdoor entrance/landing

A ground-level wraparound platform that leads to the raised platform

Cameras pointing directly into neighbouring gardens

A gate from No. 20 that dangerously opens into my property

Associated harassment, privacy invasion, and safety risks caused by these structures

This report summarises my communications with the council’s planning team, in date order, and documents how the issue has escalated due to both the structures themselves and the way they are being used by the neighbour to harass adjoining households.

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Chronological Record of Planning Correspondence

27/08/2024 — Initial Report of Planning Breaches

I submitted a detailed report expressing concerns about:

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A raised platform built alongside my boundary, allowing Anthony to sit on plastic chairs and overlook my entire garden and into my lower patio windows and upper-floor bedrooms.

Four self-installed upper-floor windows directly facing my garden and my daughter’s room.

Two visible CCTV cameras (and a possible third), one entirely overlooking No. 18’s garden, and one covering my whole garden.

A gate that opens into my property, posing danger to my children.

Regular misuse of that gate and excessive access through my garden.

An opening under his gate encouraging his cats into my garden, where they fouled routinely.

My concerns around privacy, safety, and having to record interactions due to harassment.

I asked how these structures were approved and whether they complied with planning regulations.

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19/03/2024 — Council Requests Clarification

Angela Tynan (Planning) requested the specific property number. I confirmed it was 20 Humber Street and described restricted access at the back, loss of light, a landlord who previously claimed the structure would be removed, confusion about land ownership, a visible electrical cable suspended over the access path, and general concerns about how this structure was allowed.

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26/03/2025 — Follow-Up Report with Evidence

I sent a further report outlining that the platform joins directly to the shared boundary; when Anthony stands on it he is visible from the waist up over our fence. I provided photo and video evidence of him taking pictures and of threatening behaviour. I requested clarity on which department could address the structure. The council replied they could take no enforcement action and referred me back to a letter they claim to have sent in September 2024, and closed the enquiry.

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30/04/2025 — Escalation and New Evidence

I reopened the issue (Case 00075633), provided new photos, highlighted the construction timeline, emphasised police involvement (crime ref 25000057389), and requested a proper investigation. I stated intention to escalate if no reply by 14 May.

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06/05/2025 — Council Acknowledgement

Susanne Ellis confirmed forwarding my email and evidence to the original investigator, Martin Ambler.

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15/05/2025 — Request for Platform Re-Investigation

I asked for the raised platform to be reconsidered, why no officer had accessed my property for inspection, and explained this issue formed part of a broader harassment case. Council response noted the previous officer had left and that the matter had been investigated; a 2024 outcome letter was attached (not included here).

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11/07/2025 — Renewed Concerns About Lack of Investigation

I explained I had little faith in the council process, that no one attended my address in September 2024 to view the structure properly, and requested urgent review given active police/ASB involvement.

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14/07/2025 — Formal Appeal for Action

I submitted a detailed summary arguing the platform was built after 2017 and not immune from enforcement, that no planning permission existed for the platform, upper-floor entrance or additional windows, and that these structures were being used as tools of harassment. I raised additional safety and nuisance concerns and reiterated Police and ASB involvement.

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18/07/2025 — Confirmation of Forwarding

Lesley confirmed my July email had been forwarded to Martin Ambler and he would respond on his return.

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Key Planning Concerns Summarised

Raised Platform (Primary Issue) — Constructed after 2017 with no evidence of planning permission; allows visibility into garden and bedroom; used to watch, film, shout at and threaten family; represents planning breach and ASB risk.

Upper-Floor Windows — Self-installed without permission, facing neighbouring gardens and bedrooms.

Secondary Raised Area / Landing — Built along shared boundary and used daily as an observation point.

CCTV Cameras — Positioned to monitor neighbouring gardens, one covering whole garden and another aimed at No.18.

Dangerous Gate — Opens into my property and has nearly struck my daughter.

Possible Boundary / Ownership Issues — Uncertainty whether platform occupies legally owned land.

Safety & Nuisance — Bins chained to property, cats entering through gate, waste causing flies, and a hanging electrical cable.

Conclusion

Between March 2024 and July 2025 I submitted multiple reports, provided photographs, maps and evidence, and requested inspection from my property where the impact is visible. I was repeatedly told no enforcement action could be taken despite the platform appearing within the 10-year enforcement window, lacking planning permission, and being used to harass neighbours. The platform is therefore both a planning concern and an active tool of harassment.

16th October 2026Rebuilding + Painting Platform

On 16th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] rebuilding the steps before painting them. This displays that Anthony James Prater has now changed the steps. I did contact the counil regarding this but they referred to the 4-year rule which was”In UK planning law, if an unauthorized structure (like a balcony or steps) stays in place for a continuous period without the council taking enforcement action, it becomes "immune" from enforcement. Once immune, the council can no longer force the owner to take it down or modify it, even if it breaches privacy rules.”HoweverIf the neighbour recently demolished the old steps and rebuilt them, this completely resets the clock for planning enforcement.

Under UK planning law, building a new structure—or substantially rebuilding an existing one—is classified as a fresh operational development. They cannot claim the "4-year/10-year rule" immunity for a structure that was recently taken down and replaced.

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Here is why this changes everything and what you can do about it:

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1. Why Rebuilding Resets the Immunity Clock

    • Demolition ends the original immunity: Once a structure is demolished or substantially taken down, any planning immunity attached to the old structure is lost.
    • New development requires permission: Rebuilding raised steps (especially if higher than 30 cm or attached to a balcony) is a brand-new development. Because it was carried out recently, it falls under the current enforcement rules (and the 10-year rule introduced in April 2024 for new works in England).
    • Changes in design or size: Even if they tried to claim it was just "maintenance," if the new steps are larger, higher, constructed from different materials, or positioned differently, it is legally a new structure and requires full planning permission.

October 2026Lack of Privacy on our residence.

  • On 28th October 2026 - Anthony James Prater can be seen [video below] speaking with someone over our private garden and walking up his balcony. This is a total lack of respect for privacy.

Planning Legal Issues & Actions

Overview

A raised platform over 30cm requires planning permission and is considered unauthorised development if constructed without approval. Mr Prater’s platform did not exist before 2017/2018, therefore it is within the 10-year enforcement period and does not qualify for immunity. In addition to being unlawfully built, it is being used in a way that causes harassment, loss of privacy, and nuisance to neighbours.

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Because of this, the council should take planning enforcement action requiring its removal and should consider ASB measures due to the platform being used as a position to intimidate neighbours. The council has legal grounds under both planning law and the ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to intervene.

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1. Planning Permission Rules for Raised Platforms (UK Law)

1.1 A raised platform almost always requires planning permission

Under UK planning law (The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 & GPDO 2015):

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Any platform, balcony, raised deck, terrace or similar structure over 30cm (about 1ft) requires planning permission.

This applies even in a rear garden.

These structures are treated the same as balconies and roof terraces because they can overlook neighbours and cause privacy/nuisance issues.

So if his platform is around 3ft off the ground (as stated earlier), then it 100% requires planning permission.

1.2 If no permission was applied for or granted

Then the structure is:

Unauthorised development

A breach of planning control

This means the council can take enforcement action

2. Does the 4-year rule protect him?

No — absolutely not.

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The 4-year rule only applies to:

Building a new dwelling

Changing a building into a single residential dwelling

Carrying out operational development that creates a new building

A raised platform is not a building, so the 4-year rule does not apply.

Instead, it falls under the 10-year rule for unauthorised changes in use or breaches of conditions.

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To clarify, the platform did not exist prior to 2017/2018. It was built well within the last 10 years. Therefore, the 4-year immunity rule does not apply. A raised platform requires planning permission regardless of age.

3. How “harassment / nuisance” affects planning enforcement

Even if a structure could theoretically become lawful through time, it does NOT become lawful if:

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It is being used in a way that creates a nuisance,

Causes loss of privacy,

Or is used deliberately to harass neighbours.

The council has a duty to consider:

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3.1 Loss of privacy

A raised platform allowing someone to look over fences/windows is a major planning breach.

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3.2 Noise, shouting, intimidation from the structure

If he is using the platform as a “lookout” to shout at neighbours, confront them, film them, etc — this raises safeguarding concerns.

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3.3 Anti-social behaviour & harassment

Local authorities have powers under:

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ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Nuisance behaviour policies

So planning + ASB can both apply at the same time.

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4. What the council can and should do now

Here’s what the council is expected to do once a raised platform with nuisance/harassment is reported:

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4.1 Conduct a site inspection

Planning enforcement should:

Inspect the platform

Measure its height

Determine overlooking impact

Check council records (no planning permission exists)

4.2 Issue a Planning Enforcement Notice

Because:

It is unauthorised operational development

It is under 10 years old

It is causing harm to neighbours

The enforcement notice would require:

Removal of the raised platform entirely

OR

Reducing it below 30cm

OR

Adding screening (not recommended in this case)

4.3 Issue a Community Protection Warning / Notice (ASB)

If he is:

Shouting from the platform

Using it to watch neighbours

Using it to intimidate

Has a history of abusive behaviour (which he does)

The council’s ASB team can issue:

A Community Protection Warning (CPW)

If behaviour continues → A Community Protection Notice (CPN)

Breaching a CPN is a criminal offence.

4.4 Require retrospective planning permission

They may allow him to submit a retrospective planning application, but:

It should be refused.

Because the platform:

Causes overlooking

Has a harmful impact on neighbours

Is used in a way that escalates conflict

Never should have been built

If refused → the enforcement notice forces its removal.

4.5 Multi-agency review (strongly applicable in this case)

Because he has:

A history of confrontations

Multiple neighbour reports

Behaviour that may be escalating

A pattern of harassing behaviour from the platform

The council should involve:

Planning Enforcement

ASB Team

Environmental Health

Housing (if applicable)

Police (if harassment continues)

Property Map

Map / image of the neighbouring properties.