A mother of four from Aughton, Lancashire, is facing the prospect of homelessness after West Lancashire Council ordered her to demolish a £180,000 extension built more than two years ago. Suzie Cavadino, who lives with her children aged 12 to 19, says the demolition would leave her family without a kitchen, boiler, and adequate bedroom space.
The extension, completed in December 2022, replaced a conservatory and houses the property's boiler, kitchen, and a bedroom divided for two of her children. The council claims the structure is 'out of keeping with the character of the surrounding area' and has demanded its removal by the end of next month, following a failed appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
Cavadino told the Liverpool Echo that her builder assured her planning permission was not required, but the council later informed her it was. Despite her efforts to resolve the dispute, the Planning Inspectorate upheld the enforcement notice in October 2024, ruling that the development caused harm to the character and appearance of the area.
In a letter to local MP Ashley Dalton, council assistant director Paul Charlson stated that the council had provided 'all the advice, flexibility and support available' and that the statutory period for challenging the inspector's decision expired on 5 December 2025. The council is now legally required to ensure compliance.
Cavadino fears homelessness: 'If that goes we will literally be homeless... the house is going to be overcrowded.' A council spokesperson said they recognise the impact and have offered practical alternatives, but must comply with the legally binding decision.
