Extension under construction – it will now have to be demolished (Image: Picture: Sam Greenway LDR)
A contentious home extension in Solihull, which was not built according to the approved plans, has been rejected by irate councillors who branded it ‘the worst we’ve seen’.
Exasperated neighbours have been locked in a nightmare battle for a year after it was built.
The original proposals for a single-storey rear extension, alterations to a first-floor rear extension and frontage at a property on Wellsford Avenue were given the green light by Solihull planners last April.
However, due to errors in the construction work, the scheme had to be reassessed by Solihull Council’s planning committee.
Speaking in a personal capacity on behalf of Wellsford Avenue residents during the public speaking section, Councillor Laura McCarthy described the case as “This case is possibly the worst I’ve seen in seven years,”.
She added: “As building work started it became apparent what was being constructed was considerably different to what had been approved.”
The councillor criticised the brickwork, calling it the worst she or her husband, a building trade worker, “had ever seen”.
She further commented: “Not only does it not match neighbouring properties, the bricks don’t even match each other”, .
Extension in Wellsford Avenue, Solihull. (Image: Picture: Sam Greenway LDR)
Councillor Kathryn Thomas said trust had been broken by the applicant and warned that approval would set a precedent for others to “do what they want” and rectify it later through a retrospective application.
Nadeem Burhani, the agent representing applicant Mr Saaid, issued a statement saying that the current application would rectify the situation and ensure compliance with planning policy. “A revised scheme was submitted which has been deemed acceptable by the planning officer,” he stated.
He also dismissed allegations of the property being used as a HMO [house in multiple occupation] as unfounded, stating, “The applicant intends to occupy this property as a family home – allegations of it being used as a HMO are unfounded.”
Councillor Edward Fitter initiated the debate by questioning the consequences of rejecting the application. In response, Planning Officer Jon Hallam said, “the works would be unauthorised” hinting at potential enforcement action.
He explained that changes had been made to the roof design and minor alterations to the front, deviating from the original approval. “The key change is there is going to be an L-shaped additional extension,” he added.
Committee Chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell commented: “It is extending the (single storey) extension as I understand it.”
Councillor Sardul Marwa expressed his disapproval, stating: “This looks a mess to put it mildly, if you don’t match the bricks it looks awful – I also don’t like any application retrospectively.”
He further criticised the applicant, saying, “I don’t really like it, I think he (the applicant) has taken us for a ride and ought to be taught a lesson.”
When the committee moved to vote, six members voted against the proposal, with only one councillor voting in favour and two abstentions.
Before the meeting, neighbours expressed their frustration to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the ongoing saga. One neighbour voiced concerns about the property potentially becoming a HMO, while another was eager for a swift resolution.
A resident remarked: “One of our friends had an extension built, there was a building inspector round every day checking it.”
They added: “It is as if nobody has been round to look at it – it is absolutely massive what has been built.”
The resident also expressed fears that the property would be converted into flats, stating: “It just seems like they (the applicant) have done whatever they want.