Schoolboys were left devastated after their dad was forced to tear down his treehouse by the council.
Tom Shaw had spent weeks painstakingly building the structure in Bexhill, East Sussex, for his sons Finley, 11, Jack, nine and Harry, 5.
He said he built the treehouse to encourage his sons to play outside more and even made it more special as the boys go up in a harness and abseil back down, SussexLive reports.
But after just a week of the treehouse being up, Rother District Council ordered Tom to take it down again, he says.
Tom says he was given 14 days to dismantle the treehouse from June 22 or a planning officer would have “no alternative but to consider taking enforcement action”.
To sign the petition to help save the treehouse, click here
He said his eldest son was deeply upset when he broke the news to him.
Tom said: “It’s ridiculous, it’s a treehouse, and I didn’t give it a second thought when I built it.
“They [his three children] were all upset. Finley nearly cried, he had tears in his eyes.
“He said he’s really proud of the treehouse and loves it, especially because it’s made from reclaimed wood.”
Tom says he does not know how the complaint came about as his neighbours “are all up for it” and those living in the area all get on.
He said: “Whenever we’re out, cars always stop. We always hear people say how amazing it is.
“We haven’t had one negative comment to our faces.”
Finley has even written a heartbreaking note to admirers of the treehouse that it may be taken down. The family have pinned it outside of their house.
It says: “I’m sorry to say that this treehouse will be gone soon.
“A member of the public complained about it and we got a letter from the council that we have to take it down.
“We are really sad and annoyed because my dad has put a lot of work into this. I hope you all love this and you can take pictures if you would like to.
“You might see us taking it down soon. Sadly, we need permission to have this in our front garden.
“It’s not even overhanging the pavement or road. I’m so upset that someone has complained about it.
“We hope you are all sad too. There has been a lot of positive comments from people and from cars driving past.”
The letter has been shared on social media and prompted a petition to save it.
So far it has got over 400 signatures.
Jess Jack, who started the petition, said: “Please help us in saving the treehouse for the kids on Links Drive.
“Too many children in today’s world are deprived of freedom and fun.
“A lot of effort from their dad has gone into making this treehouse secure and safe for them to enjoy.”
Rother District Council has been approached for comment.
