No Warning for 'Spaceship' Home
Neighbours of a seafront home in Sandgate, Kent, are outraged after the owners built an unusual property resembling an "alien spaceship" without any warning. The house, featured on Channel Four's Extraordinary Extensions, was intended to be transformed into a Miami-style beach home.
Community Outrage
Local residents have criticized the incomplete house, claiming that the owners and the local council did not consider their views when approving the planning permission. The sudden construction has caused tension and broken the sense of community in the area.
Lack of Consultation
Neighbour Glenn Ensor expressed his frustration, stating that they were not consulted during the planning process. He added that the first notification they received about the scale of the project was when they received drawings from the architect after the council had already approved it.
Unsuitable for the Area
Residents argue that the new property does not fit in with the surrounding area and will not benefit first-time buyers. The dispute over the black-and-silver house has caused divisions within the community, with some feeling that their right to light and privacy has been compromised.
Controversial Changes
The house was originally a 1960s white bungalow before the owners applied for planning permission to transform it into a "Miami Vice" style home. The proposed changes included alterations to the balcony, roof design, and an increase in the ridge height.
Questionable Construction
Neighbours have raised concerns about the construction of the house, claiming that the Channel 4 show made it look better than it actually is. They pointed out that the glass on the balconies is held together by wood, and some panes have already cracked due to weather conditions. They also believe that the furniture shown on the program belonged to the architect and was promptly removed after filming.
Apologies from the Council
The Folkestone and Hythe District Council has acknowledged a technical error that resulted in neighboring properties not receiving notification letters about the planning application. They have apologized to the affected residents and made changes to their notification process to prevent similar omissions in the future.
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This is not the first time that angry neighbors have spoken out against changes to their local area. In other parts of the UK, residents have complained about new builds that tower over their homes or resemble an "Amazon warehouse."
