Couple say giant self build that replaced bungalow ‘changed the climate' in garden

A two-storey house that replaced a bungalow is overshadowing the property next door to the extent it has changed the climate of the garden, according to the angry neighbours.

Terry and Margaret Selby say they have lost eight hours of sunlight a day at their home in Corfe Mullen, near Wimborne in Devon, and that the frost doesn't thaw on a particularly cold day.

Margaret also says they have had to plant hardier foliage and the partially built self build “looks like an Amazon warehouse”.

What is being built at the back of their garden?

The bungalow was bought for £350,000 in 2022 and the owners applied for planning permission to build a four-bedroom modern home in its place.

The proposal documents, which are submitted before building a house, say the new development will raise the eaves height of the property from approx. 2.7m, with a dual pitched roof, to 5.6m with a flat roof.

Members of Corfe Mullen Town Council said they are concerned the new home would be “visually incongruous”.

Council working from home caused 'lack of cohesion'

The Selbys lodged an official complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman over Dorset Council's handling of the planning application, accusing the council of being in “disarray”.

In a letter of objection to the plans, the Selbys wrote: “This horrible blocked construction is far too near to my little bungalow and small garden which has stood here for nearly 100 years.

“Is it so hard to see that by just looking around it is not in keeping with existing properties. It is akin to building a funfair in a churchyard. It is out of scale and dominant in its surroundings.”

Terry told the MailOnline: “Our argument is that they couldn't have looked at the plans properly, they just let it go through.

“When they granted permission the council report stated it wouldn't be overbearing, it wouldn't restrict the light and that it would enhance the area. All of the opposite has come true. It was a baffling decision.”

“I have tried to complain to the council but quite frankly they don’t want to know. They have closed ranks and haven’t answered my questions," Terry added, whilst also claiming, "Staff working from home can’t help matters and could be why they aren’t in sync with each other and there is a lack of cohesion.”

Why did the council allow the build to go ahead?

The development was given planning permission despite the objections from neighbours.

The planning officer’s report states: “Concerns have been raised by the occupants of that property that the development will result in overshadowing but with an intervening distance of approx. 12m between the conservatory and two storey flank wall, no harmful overshadowing of the living accommodation is anticipated.

“The proposed two storey flank wall would be more visually prominent from neighbouring properties than the existing pitched roof but the distances would avoid an overbearing impact that would justify refusal.”

Dorset council said: “The planning application was assessed against the Development Plan and with due consideration of all material planning issues including those raised by neighbours. The application site was visited as part of the application process. Officers do not consider that working from home had any influence on the decision.”