Neighbour says garage is a 'monstrosity'

THE fate of a highly-contested garage hangs in the balance ahead of an upcoming planning committee.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Applicant Ed Walker is seeking retrospective approval for a single storey extension to the rear of his property in Stainton, as well as a detached garage located to the side of his bungalow.

While the request is retrospective, work is not yet completed, as can be seen in pictures taken on Monday, October 6. Several objections have been submitted in relation to the plans, with one neighbour calling the garage a “monstrosity”.

Mr Walker has defended the project, highlighting what he sees as a major improvement compared to the former “ugly” garage that once stood on the same site. A previous application, focused solely on the construction of the new garage, was refused by Middlesbrough Council officers in July, earlier this year.

This was rejected due to the garage’s impact on the character and appearance of the area and was described as being a “dominant addition which fails to respect the character and appearance of the host property and street scene”.

Staff from the council’s planning department did anticipate a smaller garage that was better positioned and had a more suitable appearance could meet policy requirements. Regardless, in the refusal notice, dated July 31, Mr Walker was instructed to remove the garage from the site within three months as it was “unauthorised”.