A house extension that exceeded the approved size limit by a mere two meters has been ordered to be demolished by the council. The planning committee of the council heard that the extension, deemed ‘overbearing’, intruded on a neighbor’s dining room, kitchen, and garden. The applicant, Mr. M Azeen, had submitted a retrospective proposal to keep the flat roof structure at the rear of a house in Farnworth, Bolton. According to a report presented, the single-story rear extension protruded five meters from the original structure, surpassing the approved plans by 2.1 meters.
Planners contended that allowing the extension would cause “significant harm to the amenity of the neighboring property,” partially obstructing light to a primary room and the garden. Councillors were informed that due to the sun’s path, the private garden would be overshadowed, impacting the residents’ living conditions. The main concern raised by officers was the additional 2.1 meters beyond the approved dimensions, encroaching on a 45-degree line drawn from the closest ground floor window of the neighboring property.
This application was a resubmission of a prior rejected application in April last year, based on its adverse effects on the neighbors’ living conditions. A supporter of the application spoke during the meeting on behalf of the applicant, stating that the extension was necessary to accommodate the applicant’s growing family. Despite the arguments, the committee voted 10 to four to deny the retrospective application.
Unless a successful appeal is made, the applicant will be required to demolish the extension or adjust it to conform to the dimensions outlined in the original approved plans. This decision follows a similar case where a homeowner had to dismantle a summer home after a prolonged dispute with a neighbor who reported the construction to the local council. Andrew Causley, 59, faced challenges after replacing a children’s playhouse with the structure earlier this year, leading to an unexpected conflict with a long-standing neighbor.