Conflict arises between estate owner of a Grade II listed property worth £800k and neighbors, due to the unauthorized construction of a bungalow in the backyard without obtaining necessary building permits.
In the picturesque town of Little Lever, Bolton, a planning controversy has arisen over the construction of a bungalow on a private road, replacing what was once a double garage. The site, located within the grounds of the Grade II-listed Ladyshore House, has been a subject of debate among local residents.
The bungalow, completed in April 2022, was built in place of the approved double garage plans, which were submitted to Bolton Council in June 2019. A retrospective planning application for the bungalow was submitted in May 2022, more than three years later.
Phil Amos, a local resident, argues that planning regulations should be followed, and the bungalow, built instead of a garage, should be knocked down. Some residents share this sentiment, expressing their anger that the applicant did not seek permission to build another home on the site initially. However, not all residents are opposed to the bungalow. One resident described it as reasonably-sized and not impacting on other residents.
The bungalow is described as a self-build home for the applicant who wishes to reside close to her aging parents. The planning heritage statement, produced for the bungalow, states that it is largely identical to the approved double garage plans, with only superficial changes. The statement also claims that the dwelling respects the build form and pattern of existing development, preserves the character of the listed building, and will not adversely affect the street scene or neighbours.
The imposing bungalow can be seen from the gated entrance to the estate, and its construction has been a topic of discussion among residents. The site, previously a stable block, now also houses a 'hobby room', for which retrospective planning permission is being sought. The hobby room is of a similar size and positioning to the stable block it replaced.
A group of residents bought an adjacent field that was put up for sale by the owner of Ladyshore House to prevent it from being developed. The four-bedroomed Ladyshore House, built in 1833, has undergone extensive modernization and is currently on the market for £795,000.
Bolton Council has been contacted for comment regarding the retrospective planning application for the bungalow and hobby room, but no official statement has been released as of yet. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the council will address this issue and what the future holds for the bungalow in Little Lever, Bolton.
For the most authoritative and up-to-date information on this matter, it may be best to consult the local planning authority for Bolton Council directly or check local news outlets covering Little Lever planning issues. Local council planning portals often publish applications, decisions, and appeals that would give the most comprehensive insight into such controversies.
Investors contemplating real-estate opportunities in Little Lever, Bolton might find themselves tangled in planning disputes, such as the current controversy over a bungalow built on a private road, replacing what was once a double garage. Financing could potentially be affected by such controversies, as the retrospective planning application for the bungalow and hobby room remains under consideration by Bolton Council.
