A property developer in south London is currently facing a planning investigation after he installed an authentic section of the Berlin Wall in his backyard without first obtaining the necessary planning permission. The monument, weighing approximately 6,200 pounds, has sparked a complaint from a neighbor, leading to an inquiry by Southwark Council.
A Piece of History in Herne Hill
Steve Thorpe, 65, transported the 3.1-meter-tall concrete slab from eastern Germany to his home near Half Moon Lane in Herne Hill and Dulwich. The graffiti-covered structure now stands prominently at the rear of his property, visible from certain vantage points, which prompted at least one neighbor to lodge a formal complaint with Southwark Council.
The Personal Mission Behind the Monument
Thorpe explained to the Daily Mail that his motivation for acquiring and installing the wall goes beyond mere decoration; it is a deeply personal mission to preserve a significant piece of history. Born in 1961, the same year construction of the Berlin Wall began, Thorpe views its fall in 1989 as “the biggest thing that’s happened in my lifetime.” His interest was further fueled by repeated visits to Germany between 1986 and 1991 with the Clifton Rugby Club, where he played matches against the British Army.
Thorpe later discovered that a grain farmer in Siggelkow was using hundreds of pieces of the Berlin Wall to line agricultural sheds. This discovery led him and his friend, James Hervey-Bathurst, to travel to Germany to select a section. After their preferred piece was reserved for an exhibition near Brandenburg Gate, they secured another slab. The process involved obtaining export and import licenses before the weighty monument was shipped by lorry and ferry to the United Kingdom.
Complex Installation and Neighbor’s Complaint
The installation of the Berlin Wall section at Thorpe’s home was a significant engineering feat. He detailed the use of a custom dolly, winches, scaffolding, ramps, and heavy machinery to maneuver the enormous slab through his property during challenging weather conditions in early 2025. According to the Daily Mail, a neighbor questioned the installation on the day it was completed and subsequently filed a formal planning complaint, arguing that such a large structure should have required prior planning permission.
In response to the complaint, Thorpe has submitted a retrospective planning application through Dulwich Estates. He maintains that he did not believe planning approval was necessary, as he considered the monument a historical artifact rather than a conventional structure requiring such consent.
Council Investigation Underway
Southwark Council has confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether any enforcement action is required. A site inspection is reportedly scheduled for July 15. Thorpe asserts that many local residents support the display, and neighborhood children frequently visit to learn about the Cold War. He has even produced informational pamphlets explaining the Berlin Wall’s history and planted trees to soften its appearance. However, the future of this historic monument in his garden remains uncertain if retrospective permission is refused.
Source: https://www.mensjournal.com/news/a-man-put-the-berlin-wall-in-his-backyard-now-officials-are-investigating
