A property developer, Steve Thorpe, aged 65, made headlines by acquiring a segment of the Berlin Wall, sparking a diplomatic incident reminiscent of the Cold War in England. The piece, a significant relic from the historic division of the German capital before reunification, now resides in Thorpe’s residence in Dulwich, south-east London. Standing at 3.1 meters tall, the concrete slab has attracted attention, leading to a complaint to Southwark Council alleging a lack of planning permission for its placement.
In response, an inquiry has been initiated to determine the wall’s legality on the property. Thorpe, driven by a desire to possess a tangible piece of history, imported the imposing structure to the UK, opting for a graffiti-adorned section after failing to secure the original choice meant for an exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate.
Despite the acquisition, Thorpe encountered logistical challenges in transporting and installing the hefty wall in his garden, involving the procurement of export and import licenses. Reflecting on the endeavor, he expressed, “It was quite a struggle to bring it here. We navigated through the bureaucracy to make it happen.”
However, not everyone shares Thorpe’s enthusiasm, as a neighbor raised concerns about the lack of planning consent for the wall’s presence. Thorpe recounted an incident where a neighbor questioned the installation, emphasizing the need for prior approval.
Responding to the complaint, a spokesperson from Southwark Council confirmed an investigation into the matter, stating their commitment to adhering to national planning protocols. The fate of the Berlin Wall segment in Dulwich remains uncertain as the legality of its installation undergoes scrutiny.
