Save Jacob’s Wendy house!

Jacob, his dad Michael, and the house at the centre of the row

MORE than 1,150 people have signed an online petition to save the Wendy house of four-year-old Diggle boy Jacob Heron.

Yesterday we revealed how Oldham Council had rejected planning permission for a 5ft 7in high playhouse in the front garden of his home in Huddersfield Road after a complaint by a neighbour. Jacob’s dad Michael Heron (26) and mum Jenna Hulme (25) had to apply for planning permission for the funhouse, which the council rejected, ordering the family to take it down.

Stunned by the news, the family launched an online petition to save the playhouse, a present for Jacob’s fourth birthday.

Mr Heron said: “We put it up in innocence. We only have a front garden and have no safe space in the back.

“The support we’ve had on Facebook through the Save Diggle Action Group and then from across the UK expressing their disbelief has confirmed our view that the playhouse is not having a negative effect on people’s lives. We wanted a petition to be able to show support if we need to go to appeal.”

The petition is at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/jacobs-play-house.

Only days after the council’s rejection of permission, Saddleworth Parish Council members backed the playhouse. Planning committee chairman Councillor Mike Buckley said: “Members were very surprised to see an application for such a small structure. Such issues are usually classed as minor works and the committee recommended approval.”