'Bungalow land' up in arms over plans to raise roof

A row has broken out in a street dubbed 'bungalow land' over one man's plans to raise his roof by 15 inches.

Ferdinando Defeo, 55, has lived in Hazell Avenue, a Bournemouth cul-de-sac, for about five years, but wanted a place for his Royal Marine son to stay when on leave.

To create the space, he recently applied for planning permission to raise the roof slightly, add a dormer window and put in a bedroom, a sewing room and a bathroom.

But his plans received an astonishing 57 letters of complaint from his neighbours - despite there being only 24 houses in the street.

While other neighbours have converted their lofts, Mr Defeo's extension would mark the first time that one of the bungalows has been converted into a house, and neighbours fear it could start a trend.

"All these roads round here are bungalow communities and I want them to stay that way," retired plumber Robert Taylor tells the Daily Telegraph.

"I don't know why the council have approved plans for a house, it is just going to stick out like a sore thumb. It's not in keeping and it will be an eyesore."

But Mr Defeo says he can't see what all the fuss is about.

"I'm not building a tower block; I'm just going up 400 millimetres. It's sloped as well, so there is no way it can cast a shadow," he says.

"This is all really strange, as we have always got on well with the neighbours, but I'm not going to be put off by them - it's only a planning application, nothing else."

And after considering claims that the plans would 'harmfully alter the character of the area', Bournemouth Borough Council planners have decided to give Mr Defeo permission to go ahead.

Planning permission isn't usually required to convert a loft unless, as in this case, the project involves raising the roof from its present level or adding a dormer window or balcony. There are other restrictions, and building regulations approval is required; there's more information on planning regulations here.