Planning inspector rejects developers appeal over Manchester block.
A block of flats could have to be demolished – after developers built them 6ft too tall.
Residents and councillors were horrified when the seven-storey flats appeared at the junction of Palatine Road and Church Road, Northenden, in November 2010.
Manchester council bosses gave permission for a 63ft six-storey building to include 14 flats with shops underneath.
But an extra two apartments were built on top making the tower block 6ft higher than it should have been.
Campaigners say the structure is a blight on the village and is causing misery for people living in its shadow.
Planning bosses twice refused to give retrospective permission due to the block’s size.
Developers Derek Fisk and Martin Rawlings – who were granted planning permission in 2005 – took the matter to appeal before the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
They insisted the flats are ‘iconic’ and create a focal point. But residents argued they are knocking out TV reception and overlook neighbours.
After considering submissions from both sides a planning inspector has made the decision to reject the appeal from the developers.
The flats could now have to be demolished if the developers are unable to adapt it to meet the inspector’s requirements.
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