Woodley's 'too big' flats to be demolished
A block of four flats that was built larger than permitted by planners is to be demolished, a council has said.
Permission for the two-storey building in Woodley, near Reading, was granted in 2007 and it was built in 2011.
Wokingham Borough Council said owner Khadim Hussain had since submitted a demolition notice.
Mr Hussain, of Wokingham Road, is due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court next month accused of twice breaching a demolition enforcement notice.
Planning and highways councillor John Kaiser said: "This case is a reminder that failing to comply with planning permission, including enforcement notices, is a serious offence and is taken very seriously."
Plans to demolish garages and build four flats on the land behind The Parade in Brecon Road were originally approved in December 2007.
Retrospective applications, including changes to the design, were refused in October 2012 and April 2014. A subsequent appeal was dismissed in September.
In a written statement to the planning inspector during the appeal process, Mr Hussain's agent and architect, Martin Clayton of MC Designs, said: "What exists today does not have the substantial roof form over the single storey side elements or the bulky roof to the two storey/main element.
"Also it is no higher than the building that was approved in 2007. However it was still found unacceptable."
But neighbours complained of being overlooked and planning inspector Hayley Butcher concluded the building "would have a cramped and urban appearance which would be at odds with this semi-rural location".