Mother faces demolition of £170,000 garden annex built for disabled daughter after planning loss

Clair Birch, 59, built a two-storey, one-bedroom annex in her Worcester garden at a cost of £170,000 to accommodate her disabled daughter’s specific needs, including a fear of ground-floor sleeping. The structure replaced an existing garage but was erected without the necessary planning consent. A retrospective planning application submitted on March 6, 2025, was rejected by Worcester City Council in November 2025, and an appeal against that decision was dismissed on February 16, 2026.

Birch’s subsequent appeal for an 18-month compliance window was turned down by planning inspector Sarah Hanson, who said personal circumstances did not alter the planning judgment. Local residents have criticised the annex as an eyesore that encroaches on property lines and compromises privacy. The council has issued an enforcement notice requiring removal or modification, with a deadline of February 2027. Birch declined further comment, and the council also declined to comment.