By Mark Bowen

A HOUSING company could be forced to tear down one of its own homes after building it too big.

The house, which is still being constructed on Hereford’s former SAS site, could be demolished because developer Wimpey has built three storeys instead of two.

Councillors refused retrospective planning permission for the property, off Bullingham Lane, and a call has been made for a clampdown on construction cornpanies.

Councillor Chris Chappell, at last week’s Herefordshire Council’s central area planning sub-committee, said "I believe we have finally got to say to developers across Herefordshire that enough is enough - we don’t care if you take us to the highest court in the land, if you carry on building without permission we will stop you.

"I see planning officers being bullied by Mr Wimpey and I am not prepared to be bullied. At the end of the day, we don’t need planning officers if developers can stick up a property anywhere they want, at whatever time, and in any shape they want."

Councillor Charles Mayson added: "‘This really is the last tomato in the fridge. Let us throw this out and let Wimpey draw the right conclusion."

An officer’s report to councillors stressed the situation was ‘unfortunate’ and ‘somewhat embarrassing’ for a national house builder, but recommended permission be granted.

The matter has been’ referred to the full planning committee by officers, who are concerned the council would lose any appeal made by Wimpey.

Identical three storey houses have been permitted on the site’s other lots and officers claim the house would not be unduly prominent or cause an increased loss of privacy.

Wimpey clairns amended plans were submitted to the council but they were never received by the council’s planning department.

The issue will be discussed at the council’s September planning meeting and the house could be demolished if permission is not granted.

To return to AVRA web, close this window

www.avra.uk.com