‘No one will buy this house now!’: TfL erect toilet right outside man’s property

A man fears he will not be able to sell his property, which has been vacant for a year, after Transport for London (TfL) erected a toilet right outside the home.

Brett Kemp had been trying to sell his property in Haydn Avenue, Purley, when the toilet was set up two months ago.

The outdoor toilet is for bus drivers and has been erected by TfL using permitted development. But Mr Kemp says the rail company did not apply for planning permission or consult any of the immediate neighbours.

The 52-year-old said: “The smell is horrendous and visibly it’s a shocking sight.

“They could have placed this toilet anywhere within the turning point that the buses make.”

The toilet is visible from three of the property’s bedrooms, with the toilet door facing towards the house.

Mr Kemp said: “No one will buy this house, with the smelly and ugly toilet adjacent to my property. 

“People will just see the toilet as they turn up to a viewing and leave.

“With the property being empty, it’s costing me £60 a day – £1800 a month – with mortgage, insurance and council tax all on top.

“I can’t see how this can be resolved unless they relocate it immediately and give me a chance to sell.”

Mr Kemp first complained to TfL on August 14, and again on September 5. He received automated responses to both emails stating that TfL would be in contact within 10 working days.

He said: “It’s been more than a month since my first complaint and I have had nothing back. My neighbour has also complained but we are still waiting.”

Mr Kemp said he understands the need for a toilet in the area as it is the end of the bus route.

But he said: “They should have consulted the neighbours, which they didn’t, and they should have placed the toilet further away from the residents. 

“There is plenty of room for the toilet to be placed 20 yards away, but clearly they have no regard for people who reside there.”

A spokeswoman for TfL said: “It’s really important that bus drivers are able to access toilet facilities while working and these play a vital role in enabling everyone to travel safely.

“We are always mindful of residents when we install these facilities and choose locations near bus stops that are most appropriate, taking into account the need for plumbing and access to pavements to be maintained.”

Pictured top: Brett Kemp next to the toilet which has been erected right outside his property (Picture: Brett Kemp)