A FUMING homeowner has hit out after someone slashed his tyres amid an ongoing neighbourhood war.
Toby Garrett is locked in a battle with his community after painting his house and street with bold colours and cartoon-style murals.
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Toby Garrett, 40, is in an ongoing neighbour war over his colourful murals Credit: WNS 4
The artist claimed to have his tyres slashed and has had to call the police Credit: WNS
The 40-year-old artist claimed people love his creative additions to Sedbury, near Chepstow in Gloucestershire - but fed-up locals have branded it "dreadful".
They have even reported the "basic childish artwork" to Forest of Dean Council and more than 20 residents have formed a group to put a stop to more projects.
Several murals have already been taken down after the council ordered their removal.
But now, Toby has claimed his tyres were slashed after dealing with neighbours fighting to have his artwork banned.
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The artist explained things have gotten so bad he had to call the police, he told WalesOnline: "Things are getting a lot worse."
Toby does not know who allegedly slashed his tyres and has made no claims as to who he thinks it was.
A spokesperson from Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "A man reported to police that a tyre on his vehicle had been slashed and that the others were deflated.
"Enquiries in the local area took place and people were spoken to however the crime was later closed due to a lack of evidence."
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But, Toby still receives a lot of support, he said: "People on my street have sent me messages saying they are gutted because it cheers Sedbury up.
"I phoned the council and was told art is not allowed without planning permission and I have to take it down within two weeks.
"I make art to make people happy. I'm sorry it doesn't make everyone smile."
This was proved when more than 400 people signed a petition in favour of keeping his sculptures.
The petition read: "A local man Toby who has done some amazing art sculptures in his garden, which all local residents love.
"The council has now decided he has to take it all down which has upset a lot of people as this man has spent all his time and effort to brighten the village up."
Another neighbour in support of the artist said previously: "We love it - it is just council jobsworths trying to exercise some power."
A spokesman for Forest of Dean Council said: "Forest of Dean District Council is aware of the matter regarding a planning dispute at Buttington Road, Sedbury and the case is currently under investigation.
"As the investigation is ongoing, we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
However, one furious local, spoke previously of Toby's creations, he told The Sun Online: "It's not very well-liked.
"It's a bit of a snowball situation... I think he's trying to prove a point but it's to the disadvantage of the neighbours."
The disgruntled neighbour added: "People are worried about the price of their houses.
"I'm not against art but it looks dreadful."
This comes as one family were left raging after being ordered to tear down their ￡20,000 shed.
They hoped the building would double as an office and shed after it took Chris and Kelly Robinson, along with their 18-year-old son David, around six months to construct.
The family had the support of all their near and overlooked neighbours, but they claim the building was brought to the attention of their local council after a single letter of complaint.
Meanwhile, a man fumed after his council ordered him to pull down his ￡5,000 wall - even though it's identical to his neighbour's.
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Mark Roberts, 62, from Caerphilly in Wales, built the six-foot wall in 2020 to stop his front garden being littered with cans and syringes.
Plus, a small business owner has been left furious after the council ordered her to tear down the cafe on her driveway - which she says will see her lose customers.
When do you have to apply for planning permission?
Government advice states that you are likely to need planning permission if you build anything new, make a major alteration to a building (like an extension) or change the use of a building.
You can find out if you need planning permission beforehand by contacting your local planning authority (LPA) through your local council.
There are slightly different rules governing planning in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so it is always a good idea to check before you begin building.
Planning applications are then considered by the LPA, who will vote on whether or not to approve them.
Decisions are usually taken within 8 weeks, but could take longer depending on the complexity of the project.
If you feel that you have been denied planning permission unfairly, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, who will consider the case on behalf of the relevant Secretary of State.
A decision will then be taken, either by a planning inspector or directly by the Secretary of State, about whether or not to overrule the council.
Appeals can be made up to six months after you are notified of the decision, or up to 28 days after you are given an enforcement notice ordering you to take action
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His unique additions to the street have divided opinion Credit: WNS 4
More than 400 people fought in Toby's favour Credit: WNS