“Unacceptable” Brick Wall

THE homeowner of a bungalow in Westcliff is facing a mandate to dismantle 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, has been deemed “stark” and has been obstructing the view of the property, in a road which his described by planning officers as “characterised by properties with low brick walls.”

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

The homeowners had also constructed a brick porch and hardstanding, although the council is considering allowing them to remain.

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, the planning officers are urging Southend Council’s development control committee to officially authorise enforcement action against the homeowner, which would require them to either remove or reduce the size of the non-compliant wall.

A report to the committee, 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 planning department suggested that the homeowner had the option of reducing the hight of the wall.

They said: “Alternatively, any enforcement action must secure the reduction of the walling to no more than one metre in height, which is what can be constructed under the provisions of permitted development in this location.

“It is considered that there are no lesser steps that could reasonably remedy the identified breach or associated harm in this instance.”

Picture: The wall has been described as “stark”. Pic Southend Council

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