I'm being forced to tear down my loft conversion – my neighbours call it a ‘monstrosity' but I'm going to fight back
Rozia Hussian, 43, built a large extension on top of her 125-year-old terraced property in Worcester.
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Records show the mid-terraced house was bought for £100,000 in 2003 and pictures show the outside was in a shabby condition with peeling paint and chipped brick work.
Over the last four years, the three-bedroom house on Wyld's Lane, has undergone a complete makeover and according to Rightmove it is now worth up to £320,000.
A wall and intercom system has been installed at the front of the house while a large dormer was built on top of the two-storey house.
Mrs Hussain now faces having to demolish the dormer after Worcester City Council rejected her retrospective planning application.
The council stated: "By virtue of its size, design and position, the addition of the large box dormer to the front of the property results in detrimental impact and creates significant harm to the character and appearance of the existing property and wider street scene in which it sits.
"The dormer at Wylds Lane is much more visually intrusive than the approved, well-designed, more subtle addition."
Mrs Hussain, who owns a newsagents in the city, said: "I don't know anything about the planning application being rejected.
"I don't think it looks too big."
Her neighbours have been mixed in their reaction to the council decision.
One said: "I think the house looks much better now.
Our pretty town has become a ghetto plagued by machete-wielding yobs
"It was in a terrible state a few years ago but it now looks modern and clean.
"The dormer doesn't really bother me but I think some people are concerned because it looks right onto their properties."
Another resident, who lives nearby in a similar property, said: "A few years ago I applied to have a dormer on my house but it was refused.
"The reason the council gave was because it would not be in keeping with the area or sympathetic to the age and heritage of the property.
"In my view I just think that it would be grossly unfair if this woman was allowed to have a large dormer on her property when I was not.
"I mean the extension is very big. It looks like an executive box you get at Premier League football grounds.
"When my friend visited he asked what the monstrosity was on one of the houses so it's clearly noticeable to people."
Mrs Hussain has three months to tear down the dormer or face enforcement action.
A city spokesperson said: "An enforcement notice was served on 17 June that comes into effect on 17 July.
"This requires the applicant to remove the dormer and restore the roof or adapt the current dormer so that it complies with the planning permission given.
"They have three months to carry out the works.
"They have until 17 July to appeal against the notice."
What to do if you're in a property row with the council
Know your rights
Review your tenancy agreement, lease, or ownership documents to understand your rights and the council's responsibilities.
Submit concerns in writing
Raise any issues formally via email or letter. A written record will help if the matter needs to be escalated later.
Use the council's complaints process
All councils are required to have a formal complaints procedure. Details are typically available on the council's website.
Seek independent advice
Organisations such as Citizens Advice and Shelter offer free guidance on housing disputes and may be able to assist with legal next steps.
Contact the Housing Ombudsman
If the council fails to resolve the issue, complaints can be escalated to the Housing Ombudsman Service, which is free, impartial, and able to investigate unresolved housing matters.
Keep detailed records
Maintain copies of all correspondence, photographs of any issues (such as repairs), and notes from phone calls to support your case.
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