A Farnworth homeowner is to remove a garden building at the side of his house after a bid to retain it was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Chris Robinson added the garden building to the side of his house on Hawthorne Avenue under the impression it did not need planning permission.

In 2020, the council started enforcement action and, in response, the homeowner applied for retrospective permission not once but twice.

It was blocked on both occasions on the basis of its harm to the appearance and character of the area at the crossroads with North Avenue.

Mr Robinson, "an award-winning metal worker", went to the Planning Inspectorate but a bid to retain it was dismissed by inspector Peter Eggleton.

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Mr Eggleton said: "The [garden building] appears as a dominant and incongruous addition in this location.

"It also appears cramped within the garden area given its proximity to the conservatory. 

"A structure of this size, in this location, would result in harm to the appearance and character of the area, regardless of the materials. It represents poor design in this particular context," he added.

The Bolton News: The view from the crossroads of Hawthorne Avenue and North Avenue

Mr Robinson tried to convince the council and the Planning Inspectorate with changes to the plans and with letters of support from a number of his neighbours.

Mr Eggleton said this was not "sufficient".

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He said: "I afford weight to the benefits of the [garden building] given the improved living space that it provides and the economic investment that has taken place.

"I also afford some weight to the support offered by local residents.

"The proposal would result in harm to the appearance and character of the area.

"I conclude that the matters that weigh in favour of the development are not sufficient to outweigh this concern. I therefore dismiss the appeal," he added.

When the council refused the application the chair of the planning committee, John Walsh, said the site must be restored to how it was.

It means Mr Robinson is to remove the garden building unless planning permission is to be obtained by way of other changes to the plans.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.