Hemsby homeowner loses appeal over 'wrong colour' extension

Maxwell Seaton's bungalow in The Paddock in Hemsby became the centre of a cul-de-sac row after an extension to the building deviated from the agreed plans.

It was supposed to match the red and orange brick walls to fit in with the style of other properties in the area but instead, it was adorned with a greyish render and dark black window frames.   

The other buildings on the street have red/orange bricks (Image: Owen Sennitt)

People living opposite and next door complained to Great Yarmouth Borough Council which later refused his "retrospective" application that sought to legitimise the final design.

Locals complained it did not "blend in" with the street scene and that it clashed with the surrounding homes in the coastal village.

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Mr Seaton subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over housing disputes - urging the decision be overturned.

He argued that the property was not too dissimilar to other new builds in the area.

The Paddock in Hemsby (Image: Owen Sennitt)

However, the homeowner's appeal statement was dismissed as "factually inaccurate" by a GYBC planning officer, who submitted a lengthy report debunking several claims that the appearance of the home had similarities to other properties in the district.

The inspectorate decided to support the council's rejection of the extension bid.

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The Hemsby bungalow mid-construction (Image: Owen Sennitt)

In its judgement, the planning inspectorate concluded "that the external materials used in the extension and porch have a materially harmful effect on the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the street scene".

It means Mr Seaton will now likely have to make changes to remedy the situation.

The property in The Paddocks in Hemsby (Right) (Image: Owen Sennitt)

There was one positive for Mr Seaton, however. The inspector had no issue with the large windows that were installed, which had also been a point of contention among neighbours.