Wall Must Go

THE homeowner of a bungalow in Westcliff has been ordered to tear down an “unacceptable” brick wall they have constructed around a section of their property.

The imposing two-metre-high wall around the building on Inverness Avenue, at the junction with Fairfax Drive, was deemed “stark” and has been obstructing the view of the property, in a road which is described by planning officers as “characterised by properties with low brick walls.”

Another boundary wall running along Fairfax Drive measures 1.98 meters in height and stretches 13.6 meters in width.

Southend Council inspected the property after receiving a complaint in 2022, and discovered that all the work had been carried out without the proper planning permission.

Subsequently, a planning application to legitimise the walls was denied.

Now, Southend Council has approved enforcement action ordering the homeowner to tear down the “unacceptable” wall after a unanimous vote at a committee control meeting.

Kevin Robinson, Westborough Ward Labour councillor, reportedly said: “It is important for people to follow proper planning procedures when developing; not doing so can have a significant impact on other people’s lives.”

A report to the committee about the non-compliant wall had said: “The boundary walls along Fairfax Drive and Inverness Avenue are stark and prominent additions to the street scene and would be materially out of keeping, resulting in significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing dwelling and the wider street scene.

“This is unacceptable and contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework.

“Given the harm identified, it is reasonable, expedient and in the public interest to pursue enforcement action in the circumstances of this case.

“Enforcement action will reasonably aim to secure the removal of the unauthorised boundary walling in its entirety and remove from site all materials resulting from compliance.”

The enforcement action will remove the wall in its entirety.

They have ruled that a new wall, no more than two metres high, can be built in its place.

The homeowners had also constructed a brick porch and hardstanding, but planning permission has automatically been granted for these to remain.

Read more.

Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news

Contact us. Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us

Twitter: @leighonsea_news