A HOMEOWNER is continuing their fight to keep a huge extension built without planning permission ... despite having four applications rejected.

Southend Council issued an enforcement notice to the owner of the home, in Westborough Road, Westcliff, earlier this year ordering the extension to the bungalow is removed.

The homeowners have had four retrospective planning applications rejected by Southend Council since complaints were raised over work taking place without permission.

In a bid to see Southend Council’s decision overturned, the homeowner has now lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate.

Kevin Robinson, councillor responsible for the Westborough ward, said: “There are very clear procedures for applying for planning permission.

“I am aware this is going to the planning appeal.

“As councillors we are able to put in comments about the appeal, and residents can do likewise. Then a decision will be made.

“It is always helpful when people do things in the proper manner and follow the right procedures.

“Otherwise sometimes people go ahead before the permission, and we end up in a situation like this.”

A complaint was first received by Southend Council in September 2020, alleging a rear extension had started to be built.

Following communications with the council, retrospective applications were submitted without success.

A site visit was completed in August 2023 and the rear extension was still in place.

Southend Council issued a final warning letter requiring the extension to be removed, but no response was received, so an enforcement notice was issued.

The extension is roughly eight metres deep, 8.5metres wide and 3.1metres high.

Planning officers said the extension was “unacceptable in relation to design and residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers”.

A report stated: “The rear extension, by reason of its excessive size, depth, scale, bulk and height, its poor design and failure to integrate with the existing building appears as an incongruous and obtrusive, overly dominant feature, harmful to the character and appearance of the existing dwelling.”