Sumeet Singh Sarao, a 39-year-old Bollywood actor, is facing enforcement action from Telford and Wrekin Council regarding the height of his garden at his £900,000 home in Telford, Shropshire. The council claims that the garden was raised by 1.4 meters without the necessary planning permission, leading to a loss of privacy for neighboring residents. Council officers have ordered Mr. Sarao to lower the garden by 1.6 meters, making it 20 centimeters lower than its original level before the landscaping work was completed in 2020.
Mr. Sarao contends that he raised the garden to match the existing higher ground and that it does not overlook any neighboring properties. He has proposed various compromises, including planting additional trees to enhance privacy, but these have been rejected by the council. He expressed frustration at being portrayed negatively and stated that he has invested approximately £8,000 to £9,000 in the garden.
The council maintains that the raised garden has unacceptably harmed neighbor amenity and insists on compliance with planning regulations. An enforcement notice was upheld by an independent planning inspector following an appeal in September 2025. The council has indicated that if Mr. Sarao does not comply, they may carry out the necessary work themselves and charge him for the costs involved.
Mr. Sarao has stated that the ongoing dispute has caused significant stress for his family and that he feels cornered by the council's actions. He has requested fair treatment and a reasonable opportunity to find a solution that respects both his rights and those of his neighbors. The council has indicated a willingness to meet with Mr. Sarao to discuss the matter further.