When Planning Goes Wrong

1A Macfarlane Rd Before (left) and after (right)

1A Macfarlane Rd is a newly built property in Shepherd's Bush which is mainly of interest because the owner, having got planning permission to demolish the old two storey Edwardian structure and build a new four storey building, built something that was quite different from what was approved.

It's an interesting case because most builders follow the approved plans pretty closely. In this case, the owner made significant changes to what was approved. The question now is - what to do about it? Our Council have requested changes to the building, but the owner has now applied for retrospective permission to vary the original plans.

1A Macfarlane Rd - approved plans

Planning approval
To see what was approved by the planners, take a look at the drawings to the right. You can see that the architect designed something that would be in keeping with the character of the street, including the original detailing around the doors and windows.

The build was also supposed to use London stock bricks, which are more expensive than modern machine-made bricks, but more attractive and a better match to the existing look of the neighbourhood.

1A Macfarlane Rd - what was built

What was actually built
Confusingly, what was built was rather different. The basic outline of the plans were followed, but a number of key features were changed. Look at the image to the right to see what was altered.

Instead of the traditional railings along the street, the builders built a low brick wall with a wooden fence. Instead of traditional windows, modern steel and plastic windows were installed. All the traditional detailing around the doors and windows was left out.  Visually the most striking feature is the mix of brightly coloured brick - not the original London stocks that were approved.

1A Macfarlane Rd - as built

Enforcement
One big question arises - how do councils deal with such circumstances? To change these features would require partial demolition of the building - a hugely expensive approach. And yet, to allow the changes retrospectively is to permit anyone who doesn't like their approved plans to build whatever they please - and then get away with retroactively.

The real mystery is why the developer didn't just follow the plans approved by the council in the first place.

Comments
If you'd like to comment on the plans, follow this link.

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com. And don't forget to add your opinion in the comments section below.