Homeowner who built a house on his driveway while only having permission for a ... trends now
A resident who built a small detached house on his driveway without planning permission has finally began downsizing his unauthorised property.
The homeowner - a Mr M Singh - was originally given approval to build a single-storey garage on Vaughton Street, in Highgate, Birmingham, in 2019.
But planning bosses were left stunned in October last year after discovering a small two-storey 'house' with four separate rooms had been constructed on the driveway instead.
Mr Singh was ordered to demolish the residential dwelling following an appeal, during which he argued there were only 'minor differences' to what was approved - but has failed to meet the July 2022 deadline.
Planning bosses gave permission for a one-storey garage to be built, but instead found a two-storey house with a front door
The family has now reduced the size of the structure to be more in line with their original plans - but the council has ordered its total destruction
The family had also previously said they were using the mini property as a gym and were defiant it was staying put.
The building was complete with windows, a front room, front door and roof extension.
Photographs taken this week now show how the homeowner has significantly reduced the structure to the shape of a previously approved garage.
But the council originally ordered the family to totally demolish the structure, meaning the planning battle could be set to continue for some time.
A woman who answered the door of the house refused to comment when approached but neighbours said the building work had been ongoing for weeks.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'It looks like they have finally complied with the order and thank goodness because it was an eyesore.
'I was amazed they got away with it, so it's nice to see that common sense has now prevailed.
'They will be kicking themselves though, it must have cost them a few bob to throw that up in the first place and now having to pay to pull it mostly down.
The Singh family began downsizing their property after a failed appeal in which they argued there were only 'minor' differences to the agreed garage
The property was reportedly being used as a mini gym by the family, who contested the council's ruling
Planners had originally given approval for a 5.3m x 4.6m garage to be built at the location, which the new building exceeded by several metres
'It's hard to have too
