A two-storey extension built without planning permission has plunged Helen Coughlan's home into darkness.

The 52-year-old carer from Woodford Bridge in north east London also says that her neighbour's extension has taken £100,000 off the value of her home.

In 2006, Coughlan finished a loft extension in her own property - moving the kitchen to the top floor to benefit from the space and the natural light flooding in through the windows.

However, Coughlan's neighbour Tariq Ahmed's extension blocks out all natural light.

The extension has been built just 24 inches away from two windows in Coughlan's four bedroom semi-detached home.

The extension was built far wider than the changes that the council had approved.

Helen complained to the council, who confirmed that the extension was bigger than the one they had granted permission for.

However, they have argued that the only impact on the home is 'loss of light' - which is not a qualifying factor in planning applications - and therefore it can stay.

The family now fear that they will never be able to sell their home.