Unauthorised extension permitted by Government Inspector

• Posted by Karyn Middleton on 19th Jan ’09 at 09:10 GMT
• 0 comments

Following an appeal hearing held in November, Government inspector Tim Belcher has allowed a controversial extension to be retained.

The owner of the property, know as Heathcote in Haywards Lane Cheltenham, erected a two storey extension to the rear of the existing house. Planning permission had been granted for a two storey extension however the first floor extension ‘as built’ was 1.1metres (3’7”) longer, 0.9 metres (3’) wider and .23 metres (9 inches) higher than the approved plans.



Cheltenham Borough Council served an enforcement notice in July this year which required the demolition of the first floor extension.

Evans Jones LLP lodged an appeal against the notice. David Jones of the practice represented the owner at the hearing in November.

David Jones Partner in the Architectural, Planning and Surveying Practice of Evans Jones LLP commented:

“I was surprised that the local authority considered that it was a good use of the public purse to pursue enforcement action in this case. Whilst the ‘as built’ extension is larger than that originally permitted it has little or no impact upon the street scene and does not harm neighbouring amenities.”

Government Inspector, Tim Belcher agreed with Mr Jones commenting:

“I conclude that the first floor extension does not cause any material harm to the architectural integrity of Heathcote or the character of the wider area.”

Regarding the extension’s impact upon Battledown Approach and Haywards Lane, the inspector concluded that:

“The street scene in Battledown Approach and Haywards Lane is varied and as explained above the first floor extension, as built, has little impact on either street scene.”

For further information please contact David Jones on david.jones@evansjones.co.uk or 01242 522822.