PLANS for a side extension have been approved despite neighbour claims it will remove a footpath.
Worcester City Council has approved plans for a a single-storey side extension at 19 Thames Close in Worcester.
The proposal will create a double garage for parking two cars and storing bikes. The extension will use matching brickwork and roof tiles to ensure it blends with the existing property.
During the consultation, two neighbours raised concerns about land ownership and access.
One resident said the land is used as an access route to a car park and believed it still belonged to the original developer.
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Another neighbour said the area had been fenced off by the applicants and was previously used as a footpath for the estate.
A neighbour said: “The land was recently fenced off by no 19, but they are footpaths for the estate and neighbouring properties and their garages/parking spaces.
“The neighbours enjoy easement rights which are currently fully hindered.
“It used to be open and fully accessible until no 19 erected a fence, installed CCTV and blocked it off.”
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CLAIMS: Neighbours claimed the side of the house has been used as a footpath (Image: Google Maps)
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Planning officers noted that the land forms part of the applicants’ ownership, and Worcestershire County Council confirmed that there is no recorded public right of way crossing the application site.
They also noted that the area is overgrown and has not been used as an access point for some time.
The extension will be built on the southern side of the property, replacing an existing lean-to, fence, and gate.
It will have a footprint of around 46 square metres, a width of 8.4 metres, a depth of 7.1 metres, and a maximum height of 4.4 metres.
The design includes timber cladding and a planter to soften its appearance.
Planning officers said the extension was of an appropriate scale and design, and would not harm the character of the area.
