FAMILY FIGHTS TO KEEP PLAYHOUSE

Rob and Roberta Battman understood that if the wooden house was a temporary structure and portable, they would not need to go though the planning procedure.

But, after neighbours complained, Lewes District Council said they would need retrospective permission.

And they could be told to pull it down.

The couple's five children - Jamie, 18 months; Julian, two-and-a-half; Leanne, four; Daniella, six and Susanna, eight - have loved playing in their 'house', measuring two metres by three metres, since Rob and Roberta purchased it for 900 six months ago.

'We saved up for a long time to buy it so that the children could have a fun place to play in their own garden,' said Mr Battman, a courier of Mayfield Avenue, Peacehaven.

'Now we have are having to pay for the planning application as well.

'There is a nearby field but there is dog mess there and some dogs roam freely and make a beeline for our kids.

'The main problem seems to be that some neighbours think the play house is an eyesore that lowers the tone of the area.

'They are also worried that in a cliff-top gale, it could be smashed to pieces and end up in their gardens.

'But it will only stay for five years at the most. Then we will pull it down.

'Other neighbours' children use it too.

'All the children love to play in it and they would be heartbroken if they lost it without good reason.

'We hope the council will see the light.'

A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: 'Consultation on the planning application ended yesterday (Thursday). A decision will be taken in due course.'