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Neighbour’s property extension built inches away from NHS worker’s home

A huge home extension in Kings Norton, Birmingham, has resulted in a neighbouring NHS worker unable to sleep due to worry.

42-year-old Stuart Smith has described the construction work as “bizarre” as it is “overlapping” with less than eight inches separating their properties.

Unable to access the side of his own home, it appears that the plans originally made were not followed as builders could not fit a roof on the neighbour’s home.

Because of this, a wall was built just beneath Mr Smith’s roof. This caused him to worry about the drainage and damp issues that may arise.

Increasing the neighbour’s property size from three bedrooms to five, planning officers for Birmingham City Council are now probing the extension.

Having moved into his home in February 2017, Mr Smith said that he feared the plans had been signed off by a private building inspector and felt concerned that the city council would not interfere.

Mr Smith explains: “It’s been built so far over the boundary line onto our side there’s no gap to be able to maintain our own property.

“It’s a problem as I initially complained to Birmingham City Council, but some of these things don’t fall under the planning, they fall under building control.”

Stuart Smith’s neighbour has also stated that he had co-operated fully with council officers and “it is for them to decide” the outcome.

Birmingham City Council has commented, “The matter is currently under investigation and officers are in discussions with both the owner and complainant.”

Property disputes and boundary disputes can arise for any number of reasons, particularly where there are adjoining properties, and can escalate quickly if not dealt with professionally and sensitively.

Whatever the property dispute, the team at Mander Hadley can help. During our initial, free, no obligation telephone chat, we will take the time to understand exactly what has happened and then suggest the best way of achieving a successful resolution to the dispute. For advice about a property dispute, contact us today.

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