Les Whitaker, 75, was left fuming when he returned from a trip to India to find a huge extension had been built on the house next door to him
A homeowner has been left astounded after returning from his holiday to find a massive ‘eyesore’ extension towering over his garden.
Les Whitaker, 75, came back to his home in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, to the unwelcome sight of a large structure abutting his boundary following a month-long break in India. The grandfather was caught off guard by the sizeable addition to the neighbouring house, complete with a two-storey storage section “towering over his back fence.” For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Last September, Shropshire Council approved the development, permitting Glyn Jones, who lives next door, to upgrade his home with various enhancements including additional living space, garaging and storage and changes to the external aspects and roof shape.
Nonetheless, Les claimed he was unaware of the ongoing developments and believes he would have objected if he was informed.
The father-of-three, who resides with his wife Heather, also 75, is upset that the “objectionable structure” now overshadows their garden, potentially devaluing their bungalow.
Retired design and advertising agency owner, Les, said: “I came back from a month’s holiday in India, and there it was.
“It’s a massive building, it’s bigger than my bungalow. I had no knowledge about what was happening at all.
“I contacted the council and they said they don’t have to write to neighbours.
“Apparently around Covid time, they changed their policy which basically says they don’t need to inform residents of these type of applications.”
A recent document by Tracy Darke, assistant director of economy and place, claims “the proposed development will not result in any detrimental impact from causing an overbearing impact, loss of light or loss of privacy”. However, Les disputes this. He said: “It was all signed off as not impacting any neighbours, well I beg to differ.
“It’s an eyesore and also blocks out some of our light. It has probably impacted the valuation of our house and we’ve had the discussion about whether to move house or not now.
“It’s just a sad state of affairs really.
“I believe it’s a garage and storage facility but the application said something about accommodation as well, so we’re not too sure what he’s going to use it for.
“I don’t know exactly how big it is either but it’s a two storey building with a three car garage.
“It sounds like the only way you can be notified of these things is to sign up to an alert for developments in your area.
“Other than that the council can just pretty much do as they please, and I want other people to be aware of that.
“It has had a big impact on us and we’re not best pleased about it”.
A spokesperson for Shropshire Council said: “The application was publicised in accordance with the legal requirements and Shropshire Council’s policy by a site notice, and the application was also available to view in full on the planning portal on the council’s website.”
“We encourage residents to sign up to our planning online service where they can register their interest in receiving updates about applications for planning permission in their area.”
Elaborating on the benefits of this system, they added, “The system allows residents to set an area of interest and to track applications of interest.”
Glyn Jones has yet to respond to requests for comment.
