This space was once occupied by a pair of semi-detached houses and their gardens. More than a decade ago permission was given for a developer to build homes on this site, created by demolishing the semis and using parts of neighbouring back gardens. There was some resistance at the time but I doubt if most local residents really understood the implications of this project. I believe that permitted developments like this one have encouraged others to build over gardens without planning permission. Once the structure is up it can be a real fight to get the authorities to enforce remedial work. In the meantime we face an increased risk of flooding as the persistent rain looks for somewhere to go.
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