A homeowner in Wexham, Buckinghamshire, has been ordered to demolish a 40-foot-long outbuilding constructed without planning permission in his garden, after the local council argued the structure could be converted into a self-contained residential unit.
Osman Osman, an electrical contractor, built the outbuilding on the grounds of his £800,000 property four years ago. However, enforcement action only began in February 2026, after the council received a complaint when roof tiles were installed. Buckinghamshire Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the structure to be removed within six months.
Homeowner's Defence
Mr Osman insists the decision is unfair, claiming that council officials mistakenly believed the building had its own garden and access, leading them to conclude it could function as a separate dwelling. He maintains that the outbuilding is proportionate to his home and was intended solely for storage and as a home office.
He stated: 'I do not understand the decision. Usually, you are allowed to build up to 50 per cent of your garden, but the council says the Green Belt designation changes the rules. The building is for my tools and an office, not for anyone to live in. I would not want anyone living at the back of my garden.'
Mr Osman explained that the fencing around the site was installed to prevent his grandchildren from wandering onto the construction area, not to create a separate garden. He was not present during the council inspection and therefore could not clarify the situation.
Council's Rationale
Buckinghamshire Council's enforcement notice states that the outbuilding is not subordinate to the main dwelling due to its size and location. It also notes that the building has its own access and a fenced-off garden area, which gives it the appearance of a self-contained unit. The council argues that the development adversely impacts the character and appearance of the property and the wider Green Belt area.
Locals have expressed support for the demolition order, describing the outbuilding as 'too large' and 'disproportionate.' One neighbour commented: 'They have maximised the building. It is disproportionate in size.' Another added: 'There has been a lot of building work on the road. They should have to take it down if they did not have permission.'
Legal Timeline
Mr Osman submitted a retrospective planning application, which was refused. A second application is currently under consideration. The enforcement notice, issued on February 18, 2026, gave the homeowner until April 1, 2026, to appeal, but no appeal was lodged. The outbuilding must be demolished by October 1, 2026.
Peter Strachan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning at Buckinghamshire Council, confirmed the notice and the deadline, stating that failure to comply could lead to further legal action.
