NEIGHBOURS are at war over a “Grand Designs”-style home which is said to be an “eyesore” and has been compared to a pile of “shipping containers”.
The property – in a historic stockbroker town in the Home Counties – was constructed on a road where homes sell for more than £1million.
Plans to build the home were initially approved in 2017 but the landowner made it two metres too high, located it in the wrong place on the plot of land and clad it in a plastic material rather than natural stone and oak.
After an outcry from residents, last year the local council imposed a demolition order on the house.
But now they’ve performed a U turn and – to the fury of many – allowed it to stay in place as long as it is returned to the originally agreed design.
Developer Peter Strange was given permission by Waverley Borough Council to build the home in Farnham, Surrey, seven years ago.
The original planning permission was for an “innovative cantilever design”, which would nestle into the woodland backdrop of the steep hillside plot.
The house is positioned just up the road from the Bourne Woods – a location used for the filming of blockbusters such as Napoleon, Gladiator and Harry Potter.
However, the finished building – which appears to be currently unoccupied – was out of line with the submitted plans.
The house was built six metres further to the south than planned, rotated approximately ten degrees from the consented dwelling, and was two metres higher than planned.
And, despite natural stone and oak cladding used in the plans – neighbours said a plastic material was used instead which “radically” changed the appearance.
After the landowner was threatened with enforcement action, Mr Strange – who bought the land in March 2018 for £450,000 – applied for retrospective planning permission for the new home.
This application received over 170 objections from locals who cited a variety of complaints.
One objector, Kevin Lester, wrote that it was an “ugly building” which is “far too big” and “imposing”.
“As it is, it looks like a number of Grey Shipping Containers have just been dumped on site, stacked and bolted together,” he said.
The application was not approved and an appeal was later dismissed with an enforcement order for demolition issued.
Last year, Mr Strange sought permission for the “erection of a dwelling with associated works following demolition of original dwelling”.
This application attracted further objection from residents who questioned why they were having to protest the plans again.
Nearby resident Paul Webb branded the situation a “carbuncle” and said the house was “completely out of character” when compared to the neighbouring properties.
As it is, it looks like a number of Grey Shipping Containers have just been dumped on site, stacked and bolted together
Kevin Lester
“The dreadful abuse then carried out by the developers, flouting the Council’s permission and attempting to foist the ‘shipping container’ house in our beautiful area of Farnham was rightly reversed with the demolition order, and it is impossible to believe that the miscreants even have a right of appeal?”
Mr Webb stated the planning process “risks falling into farce” unless the council sends a “clear signal” to developers that “they must abide by the law”.
Despite further push back from neighbours, the council have upheld part of the landowner’s appeal, meaning the property can stay up as long as changes are made in the next 12 months.
Noel Moss chairs the Bourne Conservation group and has lived in Farnham for 10 years.
The 88-year-old said the property is a “blot on the landscape”, adding: “What was built there, as an architectural design, is completely out of keeping with other buildings in the area – for example, the nice cottage opposite.
“With my conservation hat on, it is also taking up character of the very nice green space which faces you as you drive into Farnham from the South – that was always a very nice view.”
Mr Moss, who served in the Army for 30 years, said the site was also a ‘very important foraging area for bats”.
“What I think none of us can understand, is how the planning authority – who would also be aware of the character of the area – allowed such a design to go through, and secondly, didn’t check what was being built,” he continued.
“I don’t think the planning authority at Waverley are exempt from criticism on this matter.”
On the update to the plans, he said: “No one, including the planning committee, understands the present situation.
“My view, and the view of other neighbours I talk to, is that they can’t understand if it needs to be demolished.”
Everyone has to stick to the planning law
Louisa Bristow
Jewellery designer Louisa Bristow also lives near the house and admitted she didn’t “mind” what it looked like as it was “a little bit different”, which she welcomed.
But, the 46-year-old said “everyone has to stick to the planning law”, adding: “The rules are they for a reason and we need to follow them.
“Most people live and left live, some people are very vocal – we just don’t want people to take the mick.”
Jamie Dobse, 52, also lives near the property – and admitted he quite liked the “modern” appearance of it.
“I think it’s a shame it’s not occupied now,” he said of the property, “It wasn’t built as it was designed. I think as it was being built, it seemed quite obvious that it wasn’t how it was agreed.
“It seemed quite obviously different to the proposal.”
Mr Dobse, who works as a designer, said it would be “incredibly wasteful” to demolish the “contemporary” house.
“We need more housing,” he added.
Upholding part of the appeal, the planning inspector said: “As revised, the dwelling would nestle comfortably in the woodland setting in local views, retaining the informal rural character and well-wooded appearance of the locality.
“Owing to its greater overall height the permitted dwelling would have been a more visible built feature, even though set back further into the wooded hillside at a slightly different angle.
“Consequently, the revised dwelling would not appear as a prominent built feature in the surroundings, the immediate setting being largely dominated by maturing trees consistent with the visual qualities of the Arcadian Area.”
The Sun Online has contacted Waverley Borough Council for comment.
The Sun Online has attempted to track down Mr Strange for comment.
