A Worcestershire woman has been instructed to demolish a £170,000 garden extension after neighbours raised objections over its size and unapproved construction. The 58-year-old homeowner initially sought permission to replace her existing garage with a modest single-bedroom annexe on her semi-detached property.
However, instead of the planned annexe, a two-storey standalone building resembling an extended bungalow was erected in the rear garden. This unexpected development sparked outrage among neighbours, who swiftly submitted complaints to the local council.
One neighbour expressed disbelief, questioning how such a large structure could be built without prior consent: “Who builds a detached house in their back garden without getting permission first? It looks like a bungalow with two floors—a second house.”
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Another neighbour described it as “the big house,” noting its rapid construction and size far exceeding that of a typical garage. They explained, “They fenced it off as a separate property with its own water and power lines, indicating it’s effectively independent. It even encroached on the party wall shared with the adjacent property without neighbour approval.”
Concerns were also raised about privacy, as the building’s windows overlook multiple neighbouring gardens. At one point, the structure was reportedly listed as an Airbnb in planning documents, suggesting intent to operate it as a rental.
After reviewing the complaints, the local authority denied retrospective planning permission, ordering the homeowner to dismantle the extension. This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to planning regulations, especially when constructing significant additions visible to and impacting neighbours.