Owner must demolish illegal building

The owner of a detached building in the rear garden of 16 Hawthorn Road, Wallington has been ordered to demolish it and clear the material from site by 14th May.

The timber building, erected in 2006, was the subject of enforcement action by Sutton Council, but the owner appealed to the Planning Inspectorate in the hope that they would disagree with the Council and allow the building to be retained. But after a site visit in late October last year the Planning Inspector decided that the Council was right and that the building has to come down.

During the somewhat bizarre Hearing the owner tried to claim that the building which contains a number of separate apartments was a caravan and therefore legal!

The owner now has 6 months to demolish the building and remove all of the material from site.

I will be keeping my eyes open for signs of activity and I would be grateful if you would let me know if and when occupants move out or work commences.