Still no end in sight to planning wrangle

The seven-year saga began when Leeds City Council gave consent in 2005 for a home to be built in the side garden of a house in The Drive, Cross Gates.

But the building constructed was bigger than the approved application, triggering a planning row that has included appeals and High Court and Magistrates Court hearings.

In the latest round of the saga, the council’s east plans panel refused an application submitted by Mr Ian Gordon for alterations to the property.

The panel heard the latest proposal was to take down the front and back walls and rebuild them in line with the original approval.

But the height remains a stumbling block, with the council arguing it is above the permitted 10.4m – something Mr Gordon disputes.

A report to the panel said a High Court ruling had established it should be 10.4m high when measured from the ground level as it existed before building work began. The council and objectors argue ground levels have been raised to achieve the 10.4m figure, Mr Gordon says levels have been restored to their original position.

The council received 88 letters of objection to the latest scheme, including one from the Cross Gates Watch Residents Association said: “The existing building is significantly higher than that allowed and clearly towers over adjoining properties.

It added the building was overbearing and intrusive.

The council report recommending refusal said: “Even in its revised form the excessive height and resulting scale, mass, bulk and overall design of the dwelling relative to its immediate neighbouring properties would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area.”

Coun David Congreve, panel chairman, said given the application was unacceptable and the history it should be refused.