Elderly couple left distressed and angry after extension to neighbour's house in Fareham is approved

A couple say they are suffering sleepless nights after their neighbour was granted permission for an extension which they say will make their lives a misery.
By Noni Needs
Published 21st Mar 2024, 15:57 GMT
Updated 21st Mar 2024, 16:19 GMT
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Bryan and Sylvia Stanley say they have been left ‘fuming’ as a result of the decision to build on land which they say floods and will create safety issues. Fareham Borough Council have granted permission for a single story extension, including a shower, to be built in front of the three bedroom end of terrace house in Clifton Mews, Wallington, Fareham, to be used as an office.

The 19-home courtyard type development has one small patch of green, with a bollard type light on it, owned by the applicants, to which the Stanleys have access to get to the rear of their property. The extension will be built on the patch of green area – with the applicant saying it is needed for their growing family.

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After the meeting Mrs Stanley said: “I am so upset, I’m fuming. It’s a ‘carbuncle’.”

Sylvia (73) and Bryan (79) Stanley from Clifton Mews in Wallington, have objected to a neighbour's planning application for an extension to be built. They say once built they will need to go around the extension to be able to access their garden and bins and that no lighting has been planned. Picture: Sarah Standing (180324-9349)Sylvia (73) and Bryan (79) Stanley from Clifton Mews in Wallington, have objected to a neighbour's planning application for an extension to be built. They say once built they will need to go around the extension to be able to access their garden and bins and that no lighting has been planned. Picture: Sarah Standing (180324-9349)
Sylvia (73) and Bryan (79) Stanley from Clifton Mews in Wallington, have objected to a neighbour's planning application for an extension to be built. They say once built they will need to go around the extension to be able to access their garden and bins and that no lighting has been planned. Picture: Sarah Standing (180324-9349)

Objections by Clifton Mews neighbours were represented at the meeting by Councillor Katrina Trott (Lib Dem, Fareham East) who said the extension takes away the only bit of green in the courtyard which helps with excess surface water. The committee heard that it will cause a health and safety issue as access will become an alleyway, to the rear of the house with no lighting. She said it is causing distress to the elderly over 70-year-old neighbours.

As the Stanleys left the meeting, Mrs Stanley, said: “We had a little piece of green and you’re saying the environment doesn’t matter. I’m angry.” Bryan Stanley, said: “This is a disgusting state.”

After the meeting, Mrs Stanley said there is no provision for lighting to be installed to make it safe to walk around the extension to get to the rear of her house to bring out the bins. The elderly couple have been told by councillors that the lighting is a civil matter. Mrs Stanley said: “We are pensioners and don’t have the money to pay for a solicitor or for lighting.” She said she fears if her husband, who has a bit of dementia, falls in the dark he may not be seen. The Stanleys said their next step is to talk to citizens’ advice as they can’t afford to move.

Related topics:FarehamObjections