Planning row erupts as autistic man fears £20k fine over his 'life's passion'

An autistic man is facing a fierce £20,000 penalty from the council after a complaint about his backyard pigeon loft, despite having secured written permission from his housing provider.

John McKenzie, aged 54, from Wavertree, Liverpool, constructed the structure for a hefty price, to continue pursuing what he calls a "vital working class sport" and his "life's passion".

The 54-year-old received the troubling news while parked at a Tesco supermarket last week, where he was informed of the complaint received by Liverpool Council's planning enforcement team.

Mr McKenzie said: "10 months later I'm being told it's got to go, because of a complaint?", initially refusing to dismantle the structure, citing approval by housing association Torus.

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Mr McKenzie has been keeping pigeons for more than four decades, and says the hobby provides essential support for his mental health.

"I've had pigeons all my life, and because I'm diagnosed with autism and combined ADHD, the pigeons help with my struggles in life on a daily basis. Keeping pigeons is my life's passion," he said.

The Wavertree resident pointed to the rich heritage of pigeon racing in Britain, noting the birds' crucial role carrying intelligence during both World Wars.

He describes the activity as a declining, but still vibrant, working class tradition - noting more than 40 racing clubs operate across the North West alone, with 3,500 affiliated members.

He holds membership with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, which once had the Queen Mother as its patron.

Following a complaint about the loft towards the end of last year, Mr McKenzie promptly reached out to Torus to provide details about the structure's size, specifications and significance.

A housing officer then visited the property to conduct an assessment and was impressed by what they saw.

"As soon as they came out and looked at my pigeon loft, they said, 'it's absolutely beautiful', and they granted me permission straight away," Mr McKenzie recalled.

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Torus issued formal written approval on October 7 last year, but on June 16 this year, Mr McKenzie was informed of the complaint, alongside demands to dismantle the loft within seven days - or face a potential £20,000 fine.

The housing association confirmed it had granted approval for the pigeon loft, but stressed it has no involvement in complaints submitted to the council's planning enforcement division.

A Liverpool Council spokesman clarified the matter remains at the enquiry stage, and Mr McKenzie will not face an immediate fine.

The council confirmed housing association approval does not override planning legislation requirements, and officers are examining whether the structure complies with relevant regulations.

The spokesman said: "We would always seek to resolve matters before any formal action is taken", adding a retrospective planning application may be invited if necessary.

Mr McKenzie has since sent multiple emails to the planning enforcement team outlining the loft's dimensions and has extended an invitation for officers to inspect the property personally.

The pigeon keeper said: "Because of my autism and ADHD, and the possibility of having to give this up, the anxiety is killing me."

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