A Homeowner’s Nightmare Over an Illegal Extension
Imagine spending a fortune on a dream home upgrade, only to find yourself at odds with the local council over what seems like a simple mistake.
That’s exactly what happened to Varun Sharma, a 41-year-old IT consultant from Slough.
After investing £250,000 into a first-floor extension and a new ‘spice kitchen’ at the back of his house, Varun is now facing the prospect of having to tear down part of his family’s home.
The drama started back in April 2024 when he received planning permission from Slough Borough Council for his renovation project.
But after an unexpected visit from a planning inspector, the council decided that the extension was slightly larger than what had been agreed
. Varun was advised to submit a retrospective application with the revised dimensions.
However, when the updated plans were rejected, the pressure really started to mount.
The Battle with the Council
The situation is now escalating, and Varun is facing the possibility of expensive demolition work.
His family, including his wife Shivani and their two young children, have been living in limbo.
With just three months to challenge the council’s decision, Varun is gearing up for a fight.
He plans to hire experts to help him contest the council’s ruling.
He’s frustrated, to say the least, and doesn’t understand why they’re being targeted.
“The house looks modern, it’s more attractive to the neighborhood – what’s the problem?” Varun says.
“Even if they decide to demolish it, it’s going to cost too much.
I’ve already spent all my money on the works.
” He points to a nearby construction project that went beyond the approved plans, adding, “No action has been taken against those builders.
It feels like the council is going after individuals like us instead of dealing with the bigger issues.”
The Council’s Rejection and Their Reasoning
Slough Borough Council’s rejection of the extension was based on the design not matching the original house.
They criticized the change in the exterior from brick to a smooth white finish, claiming it didn’t fit with the character of the area.
The council even described the house as having “harsh alien features” that negatively affected the street’s overall aesthetic.
Varun is having none of it.
“Where are the harsh alien features?” he asks.
He emphasizes that he spent a significant amount of money on the project and used quality materials.
“It’s not like I hired some dodgy builder,” he insists.
For him, it’s all about making sure his home looks good and suits the surrounding area.
The Personal Toll of the Dispute
The ongoing legal battle has started to take a toll on Varun’s mental health.
The stress has made it hard for him to focus on his work, and it’s impacting the entire household.
Even his young children, aged 12 and 6, have noticed the strain.
Shivani, his wife, explains, “Our kids are asking ‘Why are they doing this to us?’ and we don’t know what to say.”
The fear of having to demolish part of their home is real.
“If they make us tear it down, where are we going to live?” she says.
“I haven’t worked in ten years to look after the kids, and the pressure it’s putting on my husband is massive.
” She believes the council should be focusing on bigger issues, like the developers who built extra flats without permission, rather than going after families like theirs.
The Council’s Position
When contacted by MailOnline, Slough Borough Council stood firm in their decision.
A spokeswoman explained that the updated proposal went well beyond what had been agreed in the original planning application.
The new plans included changes like a front porch, new windows, roof tiles, and even new gates to the driveway – all of which were found to be unacceptable.
The council emphasized that it was important for homeowners to adhere to planning rules and regulations.
Any unauthorized developments, like the ones Varun’s family made, would need to be regularized through retrospective applications, or they would face enforcement action.
The spokeswoman added that other properties in the area would also be investigated for similar issues.
It looks like the fight for Varun Sharma’s home is far from over, and the outcome could impact the future of his family’s living situation.