A house extension built significantly larger than approved has been ordered to be taken down after a planning inspector upheld Bolton Council's enforcement action. The unauthorised single-storey rear extension at a property on Pansy Road in Farnworth was constructed 2.1 metres longer than permitted, projecting five metres from the original rear elevation instead of the approved 2.9 metres.
Planning Inspector's Decision
Planning inspector J D Westbrook dismissed an appeal by applicant Mr M Azeen, who had submitted a retrospective proposal to retain the extension. The inspector ruled that the structure caused 'significant harm' to neighbouring properties by overshadowing a dining room, kitchen, and garden, and was 'harmful to the living conditions' of neighbours.
The council's planning committee had previously rejected the retrospective application, noting that the extension impinged on a 45-degree line drawn from the centre of the closest ground floor window in the rear elevation of the neighbouring property. Planners said it would partially block light to a principal room and the garden.
Overbearing Structure
In the published decision, Inspector Westbrook described the five-metre-long blank brick wall as 'an overbearing structure'. He noted that the appellant cited personal circumstances and aspirations for the changes, but stated these were not material planning considerations.
The appellant now faces either demolishing the extension or altering it to match the approved plans. The council confirmed that enforcement action would continue to ensure compliance with the original permission.
