We live next to a gross unfinished house that leaks into our home – it’s FINALLY going to be pulled down after YEARS
LOCALS in a West Mids street have spoken of their joy after learning a house left unfinished for four years will finally be torn down.
The property on a quiet tree-lined street in Walsall was abandoned after it was partially-built – leading to huge problems for residents.
Neighbours have had to pay out thousands after rainwater pouring from the poorly-built roof flooded their homes.
The owner initially bought the property in Walstead Road back in October 2016 before demolishing it and beginning a new build.
However, the work was never completed – and ever since it’s been a “nightmare” for those living in the road.
Accountant Jo Perry, 51, who lives in the adjoining semi, spoke after learning the council has finally taken action.
“It’s been horrendous living next door. The knock-on problems have put me out of pocket by around £5,000,” she said.
The build, which reportedly breached planning regulations, flooded her daughter’s room.
She told Sun Online: “A demolition order was served on the building in March 2019, but nothing happened.
‘NIGHTMARE’
“The order has recently been re-issued, but it might mean nothing yet again.
“It’s been a nightmare.”
The home has gaping holes and an unfinished roof, which has been partially draped with black tarpaulin.
The front garden has been strewn with rubble and bricks.
David Smith, a former paint maker, said: “It used to be such a lovely house and look at it now.
“It’s right by me, and what a sight.
NEIGHBOURS’ FURY
“They’ve turned it into a building site. It’s a disgrace.”
The 58-year-old said a summer house was built at the back of the property – before the council ordered the owner to knock it down as it was against regulations.
“The house was lovely before, but they virtually knocked it to the ground,” he said.
“We’ve heard the owner has disappeared.”
David Willoughby, who lives two doors down, called it a “disgrace”, while Nigel Groucutt, who owns the house opposite, said it was an “eyesore and a crying shame”.
“It’s a big gaping hole,” Mr Groucutt said.
“The roof was too long and at the wrong angle, causing leaks to next door.
It’s been horrendous. The knock-on problems have put me out of pocket by around £5,000
“Then they installed new windows which were in keeping with the style, but the owner failed to pay the fitters, so the company came along and took all the new windows out.”
Walsall Council told the Birmingham Mail the homeowner was initially granted permission for a two-storey side extension, loft conversion with rear dormer window and single-storey front extension in February 2018.
However, after complaints from neighbours, they discovered the owners “had effectively demolished the original dwelling and replaced it with a larger structure”.
A further planning application was rejected, and in November 2018, the council issued an enforcement notice ordering the owner to demolish the home completely.
But no action was ever taken.
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A spokesperson said the authority has now taken matters into its own hands and will enforce a “planning directive” to get rid of the house.
Council leader Cllr Mike Bird added: “The planning system exists to protect us all and prevent the building of unregulated and unsafe structures.
“While this is a last resort measure, the neighbours, in this case, have had to endure years of misery and uncertainty and I hope this action will now resolve the matter.”