A house in Marton seeking retrospective planning permission for work already completed has been slapped with a “refuse and enforce” notice by Middlesbrough Council.
This means, barring a successful appeal, thousands of pounds will have to be spent to undo the works completed, returning much of the property to how it was before. It is unclear when the works were carried out, however imagery from Google Maps shows the work appears to have been completed by July 2023, when the most recent pictures of the road were taken.
Images show what was previously a garage has been transformed into a single storey extension and there has been a two storey build to the rear of the property, as well as a fence along the edge of the pavement, where there was previously a green space.
Elements of the proposal gained planning permission in 2022, including a single storey side extension. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that confirmation of permitted development was gained for separate elements of the proposal, however, this was not built in accordance with the approved plans.
During the consultation process, there was one objection from a neighbour who pointed out that planning permission was being sought when work had already been completed. Additionally, he took issue with the fact that “we now have a window looking directly into my lounge”. He also commented on the boundary fence being moved out to the public foot path, thus removing green space as well as raising concerns about the impact on the outlook from his house and worries regarding rainwater and drainage.
The conclusion of a Middlesbrough Council delegated report said: “The single storey extension, when taking into account the previous garage to the side of the property, is considered to be of a suitable scale and design relative to the host property”, but the report was less positive about the other two elements.
“The two storey rear extension, however, is considered to be a large, bulky and unduly dominant addition that is not suitably scaled for the plot which it sits within” and the “extension to the residential curtilage and loss of the green buffer is harmful to the character and appearance of the area”, outlined the delegated report.
The report deemed it necessary to “refuse and enforce” the “two storey extension” and the “extension to curtilage and boundary treatment”. The decision can be appealed against to the Secretary of State, as long as it is done within 12 weeks of the date of the notice (December 30).
The agent for the application declined to comment on whether there was a plan to accept or appeal against the council’s decision.
Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send you the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.
For the latest Boro news direct to your inbox as it breaks, go here to sign up to our free football newsletter