Menu
09/07/2008
Builder Forced To Knock Down Dream Home
A builder has been forced to demolish his £600,000 new home after council planners ruled it was too high.
Stephen Woodfinden-Lewis has been locked in a four-year battle with Stockport Council in Greater Manchester over his Woodford home.
It is being knocked down a year after the council ordered that the builder make alterations or pull it down.
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis says that the legal battle has cost him £30,000 and that he plans to rebuild the home.
It is understood that the property was two feet (0.6 metres) too high.
Enforcement notices were served as the home was much bigger that the property which had planning permission.
It is believed that Mr Woodfinden-Lewis had applied for a two storey L-shaped three-bedroom style cottage, but the finished home had two reception rooms, four bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms.
The council found that the home was "materially different" from the original approved plans.
An application to change the house type to include a two-storey rear extension, a higher roof and different porch was refused in April 2006.
The builder's appeal against the enforcement notice was dismissed in July last year and he was given 12 months to comply.
Councillor Chris Baker, Chairman of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, said Mr and Mrs Woodfinden-Lewis "chose to ignore the approved plans and built a house which was completely inappropriate in this location".
Mr Baker added that they "ignored council advice which resulted in formal action being taken" and that "the waste of time and resources expended on this development is regrettable".
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis said there were discrepancies in the plans and that his attempts to comply with the enforcement order "hindered by council officials".
He also said that he would "not knowingly flout planning laws".
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis said what he has been through is "disgusting and morally wrong" and caused him to have a heart attack and led to the break-up of his 26-year marriage.
"This is not the end of it because I fully intend to reconstruct the property as per the planning permission. I'm determined to build the property that should be there. It is heartbreaking for me to watch it being demolished," he said.
The builder has had to pay demolition team to knock his house down.
It is understood that Mr Woodfinden-Lewis is now staying with well wishers.
(DS)
Stephen Woodfinden-Lewis has been locked in a four-year battle with Stockport Council in Greater Manchester over his Woodford home.
It is being knocked down a year after the council ordered that the builder make alterations or pull it down.
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis says that the legal battle has cost him £30,000 and that he plans to rebuild the home.
It is understood that the property was two feet (0.6 metres) too high.
Enforcement notices were served as the home was much bigger that the property which had planning permission.
It is believed that Mr Woodfinden-Lewis had applied for a two storey L-shaped three-bedroom style cottage, but the finished home had two reception rooms, four bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms.
The council found that the home was "materially different" from the original approved plans.
An application to change the house type to include a two-storey rear extension, a higher roof and different porch was refused in April 2006.
The builder's appeal against the enforcement notice was dismissed in July last year and he was given 12 months to comply.
Councillor Chris Baker, Chairman of the Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, said Mr and Mrs Woodfinden-Lewis "chose to ignore the approved plans and built a house which was completely inappropriate in this location".
Mr Baker added that they "ignored council advice which resulted in formal action being taken" and that "the waste of time and resources expended on this development is regrettable".
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis said there were discrepancies in the plans and that his attempts to comply with the enforcement order "hindered by council officials".
He also said that he would "not knowingly flout planning laws".
Mr Woodfinden-Lewis said what he has been through is "disgusting and morally wrong" and caused him to have a heart attack and led to the break-up of his 26-year marriage.
"This is not the end of it because I fully intend to reconstruct the property as per the planning permission. I'm determined to build the property that should be there. It is heartbreaking for me to watch it being demolished," he said.
The builder has had to pay demolition team to knock his house down.
It is understood that Mr Woodfinden-Lewis is now staying with well wishers.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2011
Summit Targets 'Get Home Safely' Campaign
As part of the long-running 'Get Home Safely' campaign, twelve Company magazine readers met with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss their concerns. After a night walk to Number Ten Downing Street, the women spoke with David Cameron and Theresa May, highlighting that any cuts to the police service would be a big concern.
Summit Targets 'Get Home Safely' Campaign
As part of the long-running 'Get Home Safely' campaign, twelve Company magazine readers met with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to discuss their concerns. After a night walk to Number Ten Downing Street, the women spoke with David Cameron and Theresa May, highlighting that any cuts to the police service would be a big concern.
30 March 2009
Smith Apologises Over Adult Film Expenses
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been forced to apologise for trying to claim back the cost of the family's television package, which included two pornographic movies.
Smith Apologises Over Adult Film Expenses
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been forced to apologise for trying to claim back the cost of the family's television package, which included two pornographic movies.
23 May 2006
Reid criticises Home Office
Home Secretary John Reid has criticised the Home Office, claiming that the leadership and management systems have been "inadequate" and branding the immigration system as "not fit for purpose." Mr Reid made his comments to the Home Affairs select committee as he faced questions on immigration control.
Reid criticises Home Office
Home Secretary John Reid has criticised the Home Office, claiming that the leadership and management systems have been "inadequate" and branding the immigration system as "not fit for purpose." Mr Reid made his comments to the Home Affairs select committee as he faced questions on immigration control.
08 May 2006
Number of offenders rise in deportation cases
The number of offenders who committed serious offences after being released from prison without being considered for deportation is at least 150, new Home Secretary John Reid has revealed.
Number of offenders rise in deportation cases
The number of offenders who committed serious offences after being released from prison without being considered for deportation is at least 150, new Home Secretary John Reid has revealed.
28 October 2004
Lib Dems deride ID card scheme as costly and insecure
The Home Secretary's new ID cards will be costly for the public, insecure and will divert funds away from policing, according to the Liberal Democrats.
Lib Dems deride ID card scheme as costly and insecure
The Home Secretary's new ID cards will be costly for the public, insecure and will divert funds away from policing, according to the Liberal Democrats.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with some outbreaks of rain, some on the heavy side. Then turning brighter in afternoon with sunny intervals and more isolated showers. Fresh southeatserly winds. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine to end the day, then staying dry overnight with some clear periods. Winds easing. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
