Les Whitaker, 75, says he had no idea that a huge “eyesore” was being built at the end of his garden – and only found out when he returned from his holiday and saw it for the first time
A furious pensioner has told how he returned from holiday – only to find a giant “eyesore” extension had been built at the end of his garden.
Les Whitaker, 75, had just got back from a month-long break in India when he discovered a large new structure ‘bigger than his bungalow’ had been built just yards away from his back door. The grandfather-of-seven said he was completely unaware of the plans for the major extension to the neighbouring house, including a two storey storage building, which now towers above his back fence. Planning permission was granted by Shropshire Council last September, giving the property owner consent for the “remodelling of existing house to provide additional living accommodation, garaging and storage, reordering of elevations and roof profile”.
But Les claims the local authority never told him about the plans, and would have opposed them if the knew it was being built.
Dad-of-three Les, who lives in Shrewsbury with wife Heather, 75, says the huge ‘eyesore’ now blocks out some sunlight and also fears it will devalue their home.
Retired Les, who used to run a design and advertising agency, said: “I came back from a month’s holiday in India, and there it was. It’s a massive building, it’s bigger than my bungalow.
“I had no knowledge about what was happening at all. I contacted the council and they said they don’t have to write to neighbours. Apparently around Covid time, they changed their policy which basically says they don’t need to inform residents of these type of applications.”
A report by Tracy Darke, assistant director of economy and place, said “the proposed development will not result in any detrimental impact from causing an overbearing impact, loss of light or loss of privacy”.
Les does not agree with their assessment, and added: “It was all signed off as not impacting any neighbours, well I beg to differ. It’s an eyesore and also blocks out some of our light. It has probably impacted the valuation of our house and we’ve had the discussion about whether to move house or not now.
“It’s just a sad state of affairs really. I believe it’s a garage and storage facility but the application said something about accommodation as well, so we’re not too sure what he’s going to use it for.
“I don’t know exactly how big it is either but it’s a two storey building with a three car garage. It sounds like the only way you can be notified of these things is to sign up to an alert for developments in your area.
“Other than that the council can just pretty much do as they please, and I want other people to be aware of that. It has had a big impact on us and we’re not best pleased about it”
A Shropshire Council spokesman said: “The application was publicised in accordance with the legal requirements and Shropshire Council’s policy by a site notice, and the application was also available to view in full on the planning portal on the council’s website.
“We encourage residents to sign up to our planning online service where they can register their interest in receiving updates about applications for planning permission in their area. The system allows residents to set an area of interest and to track applications of interest.”
