In what was once a peaceful, leafy street in Buckinghamshire, a heated dispute has erupted over a controversial extension to a pricey home — a conflict that’s caught the entire village’s attention.
What started as a quiet building project has now turned into a full-blown civil war among neighbors in Stoke Poges, as locals claim they were blindsided by a massive renovation that looks nothing like what was originally approved.
Neighbors Shocked by Massive ‘McMansion’ Style Extension
The property in question, valued at over £1 million, has been transformed with an extension that many describe as a “Los Angeles McMansion,” a phrase not usually heard in this traditional English village.
Locals say the finished home breaks planning rules and sticks out like a sore thumb.
The once calm neighborhood is now buzzing with talk of a “planning battle” as people rally against what they see as an over-the-top and inappropriate makeover.
Parish Council and Residents Unite Against the Owner
The Stoke Poges Parish Council, alongside concerned neighbors, has accused the homeowner, Jag Bahia, of ignoring the planning permission they were granted.
According to officials, the changes to the garage, roof, and window layout stray far from the plans approved by Buckinghamshire Council.
The council argues that the development disrupts the character of the area and overdevelops the plot.
One resident put it bluntly, saying it looks like an American mansion plonked in their quiet village.
Longtime Residents Voice Their Frustration
For many locals, this isn’t just about a building — it’s about preserving the feel of their community.
Tracey Harvey, who has called the street home for 22 years, described the extension as “shocking” and something that might fit in Hollywood but certainly not here.
Her husband Frank, 88, shared a more resigned view, saying this kind of rule-bending happens all over the world and it’s hard to understand why it’s allowed.
Concerns Over Size and Lack of Accountability
Several neighbors worry the house is simply too large for its plot and want strict penalties for any breaches of planning rules.
One neighbor said fines should be substantial enough to send a clear message, rather than a slap on the wrist.
They argue rules exist for a reason, and it shouldn’t be about who has the money to push boundaries without consequence.
Reports of Unsafe Building Practices Go Unanswered
Beyond the architectural dispute, there are also complaints about the building process itself.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed they made multiple reports to the Environment Agency about builders burning waste in the garden during construction.
Frustratingly, there seems to have been little follow-up on these concerns, fueling resentment toward local authorities.
Neighbors Fear Division But Prepare for a Showdown
The situation has made neighbors wary of each other, with one remarking on how enforcement failures pit neighbor against neighbor — a position no one wants to be in.
Julie Devonald, a 33-year resident of the road, summed up the feeling by saying, “Some people get cheeky, and once you give them an inch, they take a mile.”
The community is bracing itself for a serious planning battle, as tensions remain high.
Official Proceedings and Next Steps
The property, which sold for just over £1.2 million in 2020, now faces a review by the Buckinghamshire Council’s East and South Area Planning Committee.
The parish council has called in the application for a formal decision, emphasizing that the changes made are inappropriate and harm the village’s traditional character.
A councilor revealed that they had to hire an outside expert to untangle the confusing details of the extension, highlighting how unusual and complicated this case has become.
The committee is set to meet on June 10 to decide the fate of the extension.
Meanwhile, the homeowner, Jag Bahia, has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond.