Council Row Erupts as Grandmother Faces Eviction Over £30,000 Garden Makeover in East Sussex

Moulsecoomb, East Sussex — A 48-year-old grandmother is at the heart of a bitter dispute with Brighton and Hove City Council after spending £30,000 to transform her overgrown and hazardous garden—without realizing she needed planning permission. The situation has spiraled into a potential eviction, sparking outrage and sympathy alike.

Renata Mahmoud, who has lived in her council home for nearly two decades, undertook the extensive garden overhaul in 2023. Her goal? To create a safer, more accessible space for her family, particularly after one of her children suffered an injury playing in the previously treacherous terrain.

“It was very hilly, all it had were bricks, broken metals, foxes, and snakes,” she explained. “I just wanted to make it safe. I didn’t know I had to apply for planning permission, and I’m sorry.”

The makeover included removing trees, leveling the garden into a three-tiered patio, and installing new paving. The improvements, which were self-funded from Mahmoud’s savings, have significantly increased the garden’s usability and safety. However, the council alleges she violated her tenancy agreement by not seeking prior approval for the work.

Despite there being no immediate plans to evict, the council has referred the case to the courts, describing eviction as “always a last resort.” Still, Mahmoud fears the worst: being forced to undo the makeover or even losing her home.

Public Response & Legal Debate

The case has quickly garnered public interest, raising pressing questions about tenants’ rights, planning regulations, and the proportionality of council actions. Many have taken to social media to voice support for Mahmoud, calling the council’s stance “heavy-handed” and “heartless.”

Legal experts suggest that while planning permissions are legally required for certain modifications, councils often have discretion in handling such violations—especially where no harm has been done and the intent was safety improvement.

Brighton and Hove City Council responded in a statement:

“While tenants do have responsibilities under their agreement, eviction remains a final measure. We are exploring appropriate remedies, including legal ones, to resolve the matter.”

A Warning for Other Tenants

This unfolding drama underscores the importance of knowing and complying with local planning laws—even for seemingly straightforward home improvements. Mahmoud’s case serves as a cautionary tale: well-meaning intentions can still fall foul of bureaucratic red tape.

As the legal process continues, Mahmoud is left in limbo, hoping the council will recognize the genuine motives behind her actions.

“I’m not a builder or a law expert,” she said. “I just wanted my grandchildren to play safely. That’s all.”