A luxury home in Hove, East Sussex, is now at the center of a heated planning dispute after a basement was added without official permission.
Michael Deller, 41, had built a four-bedroom modernist villa after receiving approval for a two-storey house, but the addition of an underground level has landed him in trouble with the local council.
Dispute Over Planning Advice
Mr. Deller claims he was advised by council officials to proceed with the basement construction first and apply for retrospective permission later.
He says this was suggested as a way to avoid a £40,000 community infrastructure levy (CIL), a fee charged by local authorities to fund schools, transport, and green spaces.
However, Brighton and Hove City Council ultimately rejected his retrospective planning application, leaving him with an enforcement notice requiring the demolition of the entire property.
Neighbors Express Outrage
Local residents have reacted angrily, criticizing the development as over-the-top and inconsiderate.
One neighbor described the home as “land grabbing” that disregards wildlife, neighboring properties, and the local environment.
Another slammed the developer for acting out of “greed and stupidity,” accusing him of ignoring planning rules and creating an “eyesore” that will affect the community for years.
Lavish Features, But Unauthorized
The controversial property spans 2,686 sq ft and includes modern open-plan living, marble floors, a 31×16 ft dining area, and bi-folding doors leading into a spacious garden.
The basement was designed to house a gym, cinema room, guest bedroom, and two storage rooms.
Outside, the garden features lawned and paved areas, a large patio, and a built-in hot tub, while a gated driveway provides privacy and off-street parking.
Timeline of Construction and Sale
The council initially approved a three-bedroom above-ground house in September 2020.
The land was sold to Mr. Deller in June 2021 for £648,000, and he began construction shortly after.
The basement was completed in 2022, and a retrospective planning application followed.
Now, he has submitted a new application aimed at bringing the property closer to the originally approved design and complying with minimum building standards, such as light requirements in the basement.
Meanwhile, the house is listed for sale at £1.25 million.
The estate agent notes in the listing that the lower ground floor is under planning enforcement and would require reconfiguration if consent is granted.
Neighbors Demand Accountability
Council papers reveal that local residents feel the house is a far cry from what was approved.
One complained that the developer’s “shoddy and illicit conduct” cannot go unchecked, especially as he continues to market the property while facing an enforcement notice.
Others have accused him of cynically manipulating the planning process to build a three-storey dwelling that ignores the original conditions.
Council Response
Councillor Alison Thomson, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee, emphasized that the council does not encourage starting construction without proper planning permission.
While she declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing application, she confirmed that all public feedback—both supportive and opposing—would be considered before any decision is made.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, Mr. Deller must wait for the council’s decision on his revised application while the enforcement notice remains in effect.
The controversy highlights the tension between ambitious property development and strict planning regulations, leaving both neighbors and potential buyers watching closely.
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