Colleagues say rear extension of house would block light for neighbours

Councillor Allah Ditta applied for permission to extend the back of his house in Richmond Road, off Wyld’s Lane, Worcester.

But the plans, submitted in August, were refused at a meeting of Worcester City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday because the development broke the 45 degree rule.

The rule aims to stop over-development, particularly home extensions that could block light from neighbouring properties.

As a former member of the committee, Coun Ditta would have been involved in refusing numerous planning applications on exactly the same grounds.

The first-floor extension would have increased the size of a bedroom and kitchen at Coun Ditta’s home.

But in a report to the committee, which recommended planning permission be denied, planning officer Alan Coleman said: “I consider the height, depth and siting of the proposed extension would have an unacceptable over dominant and overbearing impact on the garden of 9 Richmond Road.

“I do not consider the site has sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed development without causing harm.”

Coun Geoff Williams said: “We must remember that the applicant himself has voted on the 45 degree rule that really isn’t being followed here.”

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application. An investigation into previous building work at Coun Ditta’s home will now take place to determine if other planning regulations have been breached.

Mr Coleman’s report said concerns had been raised following consultations with neighbours.

He said: “There may have been works carried out to the property that may have required a planning application.

“These include the red-uction in the level of the rear garden, the building of a retaining garden boundary wall and excavation works to develop the basement.

“The council’s records show that there has been no application or building regulations approval for such works.

“Further investigations will therefore be required.”