Paralysed Ali’s joy at new home

Nov 22 2007 By Chloe Griffiths, The Journal

A YOUNG man paralysed by a rugby accident told of his joy last night after he was given permission to build a new home. Ali Johnson was injured in a scrum while playing for Tynedale in September 2004 and was left paralysed from the neck down.

Since the injury, he has been living in his parents’ living room, but he has battled to get planning permission for a specially-designed bungalow, which would be perfect for all his needs.

However, the 27-year-old was refused consent for the building at Wolf Hills Farm, Coanwood, Haltwhistle, in Northumberland in July last year.

Last night he was celebrating, however, after learning a revised plan had been approved by councillors.

Members of Tynedale Council’s development control committee unanimously decided to approval the new application, after Mr Johnson revised his plans – changing the architects, the site and the design of the house.

He said: “I am very pleased. It does feel like it has been a long time coming, but I’m just pleased we got there in the end.

“It has been quite a unique situation for me and for Tynedale planners, but we came to a compromise and we’ve all come out a bit wiser.”

Mr Johnson’s original application was refused last year because planning officials felt the site was inappropriate and the design unsympathetic to the area. This decision sparked an angry response from Mr Johnson’s many supporters, more than 400 of whom signed a protest petition.

In the following months, council officers met Mr Johnson in a bid to find a solution.

Following their advice, he submitted his compromise application on October 11.

A Tynedale Council spokeswoman last night said: “Many of the councillors spoke of their pleasure at being able to agree this excellent proposal and, subject to the approval of the Government Office for the North East, wished Mr Johnson well in his new dwelling.”

It is now expected to take between six to eight weeks to get approval, before Mr Johnson begins to gather together the funds which have been raised and find contractors.

He said: “I can’t wait to move in. The bungalow will make a big difference to my life and that of my parents. It will make things a lot easier.

“I’m just very grateful for all the support I’ve had.”

Mr Johnson also expressed his thanks to Andrew Moss, his solicitor at Ward Hadaway, and the bungalow’s architect Kevin Doonan.