Illegal Mansion Defies Demolition Orders in High Wycombe Planning Row
An illegally constructed six-bedroom mansion in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, continues to stand despite the homeowner receiving two separate orders to demolish the property. The structure has been described as 'unneighbourly and overbearing' by planning authorities, with local residents branding it an 'eyesore' that blocks all natural light from their gardens and disrupts the area's aesthetic harmony.
Extension Exceeds Approved Plans
The controversy centres on a two-storey extension at the rear of the property that extends significantly beyond the dimensions approved in the original planning permission. Buckinghamshire Council issued an enforcement notice against homeowner Yasmin Akhtar last year, demanding she either demolish the entire structure or scale back the unauthorised extension to comply with regulations.
Despite this legal directive, compliance has not been forthcoming. This week, building work was still visibly underway at the mansion, with windows boarded up and a van parked outside, indicating ongoing activity at the disputed property.
Failed Appeals and Neighbour Complaints
Ms Akhtar appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in November, but her case was dismissed. The inspector concluded that the property 'causes harm' to the living conditions of neighbouring residents. In a subsequent decision notice, the Planning Inspector stated: 'I have found that the proposal results in harm to the living conditions of the occupiers of a neighbouring property.'
Frustrated locals have expressed their dismay at the situation. One anonymous neighbour remarked: 'They are basically just trying to take the p***, thinking they can do what they want. They must've thought the council wouldn't notice.' Another resident described the property as 'an eyesore' that 'has been like that for a year or so now' and is 'not in keeping with the rest of the street.'
Council Enforcement and Comparative Concerns
Buckinghamshire Council has now declared it will make 'full use' of its enforcement powers after the deadline for compliance expired on April 1. Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Planning, explained: 'The property constructed on this site was not built in accordance with the planning permission granted. The owner sought to retain the building as built but this was refused planning permission and a subsequent appeal has been dismissed.'
However, some residents have questioned the consistency of planning decisions in the area. They point to an even larger property that received council approval and was built nearby, suggesting a perceived double standard. One neighbour commented: 'Of course the owners should've followed the rules but it seems like there is one rule for some and other rule for others. How is it that this one was allowed and the other one wasn't.'
Background and Additional Applications
Documents on Buckinghamshire Council's website reveal that permission was originally granted in 2024 for a six-bedroom home with three parking spaces on the site. However, upon completion, the property was found to exceed the approved dimensions, particularly with the problematic rear extension.
Ms Akhtar also applied for the council to cover her appeal costs, claiming they had 'behaved unreasonably,' but this request was rejected. She subsequently submitted a second planning application seeking to retain the dwelling with modifications, which was also refused permission.
The enforcement notice currently requires compliance by April 1, 2026. Mr Strachan added: 'If the notice is not complied with the council will assess the best next steps to resolve breach of planning control occurring, making full use of our enforcement powers as necessary.'
Planning agent Parry Virdee previously attributed the extension discrepancy to a builder 'misreading the plans.' Ms Akhtar has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing situation.
