It pays to be vigilant

A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from an Oulton Road resident who had been keeping a close watch on the new development on the former Underwoods Garage site. The roof trusses had been placed in position and, on the day he phoned, he had seen six velux style roof windows being fixed into position on the roof elevations facing Oulton Road. He was alarmed because on the plans that he'd inspected there were no roof lights shown in these positions.

I immediately went down to have a look and straight away contacted the planning department. I was soon informed that the plans which had been approved did not provide for roof lights on the road elevation and that an enforcement officer would visit the site the next day. Sure enough, I later received a message that the developer had been informed of the position and - lo and behold- all work has stopped for the last fortnight! Until today when felt, laths and tiles have been put on the roof - but no windows!

So congratulations to the vigilant resident who spotted the problem and to the planning department for taking such swift action!