Major update on bizarre six-year planning row as Birmingham homeowner suddenly backs down

Madam Pal Singh was given the go-ahead to build a single-storey garage at his semi detached home on Vaughton Street in Highgate, Birmingham back in 2019.

But planning bosses were left baffled after discovering a small two-storey house had been constructed on the driveway instead in October 2022.

Mr Singh was ordered to bulldoze the illegal structure even after appealing the decision by arguing there were only 'minor differences' to what was agreed.

The family had also vowed it would stay put because they were using the 8.7m by 4.7m property as a gym.

But images taken yesterday (Mon) show how Mr Singh has now finally fully converted it back into the previously approved 5.3m by 4.6m garage.

Neighbours have spoke of their relief that the "bizarre saga" was finally over following years of building work along their street.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We're glad it's finally all over now, it has been going on for years.

"I dread to think what it has cost the poor bloke. To build a house, knock it down and then build a garage instead, must have cost tens of thousands of pounds at least.

"But he's only got himself to blame, I don't know how he thought he was ever going to get away with it.

"The building work has been a bit of a pain but I'm just happy we don't have to look at that eyesore anymore. It's been a very bizarre, long-running saga."

However, another local was more sympathetic and added: "I feel a bit sorry for him to be honest.

"Yes it wasn't what was entirely agreed, but it looked smart. And some of the houses around here are much more run down.

"You would have thought they could have come to a bit of compromise with him to save a lot of time and money."

Planners had originally given approval for a garage to be built at the location, which the new building exceeded by several metres.

Planning Inspector Thomas Shields wrote in his report: "The appellant’s case is that the building already benefits from planning permission granted by the council in 2019.

"He argues that although there are differences between the approved plans for the garage and the appeal building they are minor differences.

"The approved plans for the garage show a single storey detached garage with a footprint of 5.3m x 4.6m and a height of 3.6m.

"It was also shown having a standard garage door to the front and no windows on any elevation.

"In comparison with the approved garage the appeal building has a footprint of approximately 8.7m x 4.7m and a height of 5.3m

"Consequently, it is substantially larger than the approved building. It is not a minor difference."

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "Planning consent was granted for a single story detached garage to the side of the property on Vaughton Street, Highgate on 7 March 2019.

"The building erected following that permission bore little resemblance to the original scale and design, as a result enforcement action followed and remedial works carried out to reduce its size, returning it to its planned use as storage/garage.

"Planning permission was already in place for a very similar building, so no further action was considered necessary.

"Planning enforcement is essential for maintaining public confidence in the planning system.

"Without it, there is a risk that unauthorised developments could undermine the legitimacy of approved plans and policies."

Mr Singh could not be contacted for comment.

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "Planning consent was granted for a single story detached garage to the side of the property on Vaughton Street, Highgate on 7 March 2019.

"The building erected following that permission bore little resemblance to the original scale and design, as a result enforcement action followed and remedial works carried out to reduce its size, returning it to its planned use as storage/garage.

"Planning permission was already in place for a very similar building, so no further action was considered necessary.

"Planning enforcement is essential for maintaining public confidence in the planning system.

"Without it, there is a risk that unauthorised developments could undermine the legitimacy of approved plans and policies."