Bolton Council has taken enforcement action against a householder who built an unauthorised extension to his property leading to 22 complaints from nearby residents.
The Smithills homeowner obtained planning permission for the extension at the house at 853 Chorley Old Road in 2016 - but when work got underway three years later local residents raised concerns to the council.
Neighbours said the side and rear extension was bigger than the approved plans and was blocking their view. Building work had included a dormer room and balcony - which wasn’t in the original plans - and blue bricks had been used rather than red.
Council planning officers visited the property last summer and concluded the extension had breached the terms of the original planning permission. In November a notice was served on the property, ordering the dismantling of the extension within 90 days.
The homeowner then applied for retrospective planning permission from Bolton Council for the new extension in March this year and 22 letters of objection were sent in opposing the plans.
Council planning officers have now rejected the new plans meaning the unauthorised extension must be taken down.
Deputy leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “This was a simple case of building work being carried out which we had not given permission for.
“The applicant had asked for permission to build one thing - but had gone on to build something very different. Neighbours were right to be concerned about the nature of what had been built.
“When council officers visited the property, we concluded the extension wasn’t in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.
“It was in breach of our planning policies and raised significant privacy concerns for those living next door.”
Cllr Cox added: “Planning and building control policies are there for a good reason and are designed to protect communities from unauthorised development.
“If building work is carried out which is not in line with what we have given permission for then the council will not hesitate to take action.
“Despite the unprecedented emergency situation which we currently face, the work of the council goes on.
“Council officers have delegated powers to take decisions like this and will do so in order to ensure development does not have a detrimental effect on the character of local areas and on other residents.”