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Pensioner becomes embroiled in legal battle with neighbour over washing lines in communal garden – ‘It’s a complete waste of time!’

A 95-year-old woman has become embroiled in a legal battle with her neighbour over washing lines at their Grade II-listed riverside apartments in Exeter.

Lotte Grant is fighting to prevent Rev Canon Prof Richard Burridge from hanging washing in their communal garden at Trews Weir Court.

The dispute, which began last April, centres on the interpretation of lease terms at the prestigious riverside complex where Grant has resided for three decades.

Under the terms of the leases, residents are prohibited from hanging washing from apartments or balconies.

Washing line

Burridge, former dean of King’s College London, reportedly identified a loophole in the lease and installed the rotary washing lines in the communal space.

While Trews Weir Court Management maintains the washing lines comply with lease terms, Grant strongly disagrees.

“It is a very nice block of flats by the suspension bridge. All the people crossing the bridge can see the washing,” Grant said.

Judge Timothy Walsh has intervened in the dispute, ordering parties to reach a settlement within three months or face a retrial.

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“It is an unusual case,” the judge told the appeal hearing in Exeter.

He cautioned that legal costs would escalate into thousands of pounds for what he described as a “relatively minor matter”.

Grant’s barrister, Jonathan Ward, argued that the earlier court judgment was “fatally flawed” and called for changes based on “good estate management” following consultation with residents.

Grant, who owns her flat with her son Dirk, an Exeter Cathedral volunteer, expressed deep concerns about the situation.

“Since taking this position to defend my lease, I have been subject to some persecution, my property has been removed from communal areas, I have been ostracised from many of the residents which has caused me anxiety and distress,” she said.

Rows of houses

“I suppose I won,” Grant reflected after the hearing, adding: “My father was a judge and I am sure he would be on my side and would want me to carry on.”

Burridge defended his position, stating he “would not force her to look at his underwear” and noting Grant cannot see the washing lines from her apartment.

The biblical scholar cited practical concerns about damp, given the building’s riverside location, making indoor drying problematic.

“It’s a complete waste of time,” Burridge said, describing it as a “minor dispute” about “two temporary rotary lines being erected for a few hours on sunny days to dry washing in a secluded area.”

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