READING Borough Council has ordered a homeowner to knock down two buildings which were built illegally following a ruling by the planning inspector.
The owner of 1 Hawk Cottages in Silver Street has been ordered to take down the constructions which breached planning control rules, the inspectorate has ruled.
Two structures were built in the back garden of the property without proper planning permission, in conflict with the council’s local plan which requires developments to be of a high design quality.
They must also “maintain and enhance the character and appearance” of the area, without compromising, overbearing, or overshadowing surrounding properties.
The planning enforcement team took action against the homeowner, issuing an enforcement notice in November last year.
This notice was appealed by the homeowner, who claimed the buildings did not constitute a breach of planning control.
The planning inspectorate dismissed the appeals and ordered the homeowner to dismantle the structures and restore the area to garden space before March 2025.
If the buildings aren’t knocked down before then, the homeowner is liable to prosecution and a fine of £20,000.
In a ruling dated September 23, the inspectorate stated that the buildings in question occupied a ‘blackland’ location, which means the ground underneath is composed of peaty soil.
They were also described as being “uncomfortably cramped,” with no street frontage and “low-profile” roof lines, which was judged to be in contrast to the majority of other buildings in the area.
These features contradict the prevailing pattern of other buildings, which “erode! the visual qualities of the surroundings and caused “unacceptable harm to the character” of the area.
Councillor Micky Leng, Reading Council’s Lead for Planning, said: “This is a good result for the Council’s small but diligent planning enforcement team who work extremely hard behind the scenes to help protect the character and appearance of our communities.
“These two structures constructed in a back garden, were deemed to be substandard on review by the Planning Inspector and they were without planning permission. We would urge any homeowner planning something similar to go through the correct channels in advance, as planning protections are in place to protect our communities and the impact of developments on neighbours.
“The planning enforcement team have a long list of live cases which are actively being investigated and landowners should be in no doubt that enforcement action will follow where warranted and where planning guidelines are so blatantly disregarded, as was the case in this instance.”
The September ruling by the council’s planning inspectorate is available to view via: acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
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