Phil and Lisa Nelmes, a couple from Twigworth, Tewkesbury, find themselves in a frustrating predicament after being ordered to halt construction on their new home despite having official planning permission.
In January 2023, the Nelmes were granted approval to build a single dwelling at 1 Laburnum Cottage on Tewkesbury Road. The couple sought to build closer to Mr. Nelmes’ parents on land that was formerly part of their garden. Initially, a bungalow plan was rejected, but permission was later granted for a house.
Construction began last year, reaching the damp proof course stage, when the couple received a temporary stop notice from Tewkesbury Borough Council in September. The council cited errors in the submitted plans that inaccurately represented the layout of the existing highway. They expressed concerns that the proposed access to the A38 would be unsafe.
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However, these errors had been identified by both objectors and the applicant’s own consultants during the planning process. Gloucestershire Highways also conducted a thorough review and did not raise any objections to the scheme at the time.
Mrs. Nelmes expressed deep frustration over the situation, having invested tens of thousands of pounds into the build. “A mistake has been made somewhere along the lines, but not by us. We followed the planning process properly, yet we are the ones paying the price,” she said.
She added that council officers had visited the site and confirmed the access was satisfactory. Despite this, a 56-day temporary stop notice was issued. The Nelmes maintain they still have valid planning permission, which has not been revoked.
Mr. Nelmes emphasized, “The council approved the plans and the highways authority confirmed that visibility is safe. The halt order came after works were already underway.”
A spokesperson for Tewkesbury Borough Council said officers had met with the couple multiple times to discuss the matter. They explained that after the works began, it was discovered the submitted plans contained inaccuracies regarding the highway layout, which rendered the permission unlawful to implement.
“The local planning authority served a temporary stop notice after advice was ignored and works commenced,” the spokesperson added. The council stands by its decision, citing public safety concerns due to the proposed access onto the busy A38.