Residents Furious as Newbuild Homes Face Demolition Amid Planning Breach Allegations: Persimmon Homes Under Fire

Anger and frustration are mounting among residents in Cheadle, Staffordshire, as their recently constructed homes face the unsettling possibility of being demolished.

The cause of the uproar lies with Persimmon Homes, who are accused of knowingly breaching planning permission regulations. The nine affected properties are at risk of destruction due to their elevated position, surpassing the agreed-upon ground level.

Initially granted permission to construct 125 homes in the area, Persimmon Homes raised the ground level by 2.4 meters in order to achieve a flat site. However, this alteration has had unintended consequences, leaving neighboring residents distressed and dissatisfied. The towering presence of the newbuilds has overshadowed neighboring properties, blocking sunlight and creating a sense of being overwhelmed.

Councillors have expressed their concerns over the deviation from the approved plans, likening the changes to "adding an extra storey" to the buildings. In response to the situation, Persimmon Homes has submitted an application seeking retrospective permission to keep the houses in their current state. The company is also exploring options for visual screening, including tree and hedgerow planting, to address the concerns raised by residents.

The chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning committee has issued a warning, stating that if permission is denied and a compromise cannot be reached, the affected residents may face the heartbreaking prospect of having their properties demolished. However, Persimmon Homes disputes this claim, asserting that the committee did not explicitly request the demolition of the homes.

Legal advisors acting on behalf of the council have revealed that these homes may be deemed "worthless" in the property market since they were sold without proper planning permission. As a result, the council has postponed making a decision on the matter to engage in discussions with the affected residents.

During a meeting of the planning committee, Justin Price-Jones, a legal advisor, expressed surprise at the situation and its potential consequences for the residents. He highlighted that Persimmon Homes would have been aware of the lack of planning permission when the properties were sold, suggesting that many parties involved may not fully comprehend the dire circumstances they find themselves in.

Tracy Milward, one of the affected residents, described the development as "overbearing" and complained about the obstruction of sunlight in their gardens. She expressed frustration with the planning system, accusing Persimmon of manipulating regulations for their own benefit and exploiting local communities.

Cheadle town councillor Paulette Upton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the developers had blatantly violated planning permission, and called for accountability in the situation. She expressed concern that this case sets a precedent, sending a message to other developers that they can flout regulations without consequence.

Councillor Stephen Ellis, the chairman of the planning committee, voiced his outrage, describing this as the worst situation he has encountered in his two decades of involvement in planning decisions. He criticized the planning department for failing to follow up on the initial complaints raised by residents.

Councillor Peter Jackson questioned the developer's commitment to constructing homes correctly, as Persimmon Homes still has plans for the second phase of the development pending. He emphasized the need for the committee to have confidence that future homes would be built in accordance with the approved plans.

Councillor Keith Flunder revealed that during a site visit, residents in the Persimmon properties refused to answer their doors due to fear and anxiety surrounding the potential outcome.

The council's planning committee has deferred making a decision on the matter, and further discussions with the affected residents and the developer are set to take place. Ultimately, the fate of these homes hangs in the balance as the community waits for a resolution that can satisfy all parties involved.

Read more here…
https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/21740428/newbuild-homes-torn-down-persimmon/