PLANNING bosses say a home extension must be pulled down or reduced as it is affecting a neighbouring property - even though that home's owner has not objected to it.

The Planning Inspectorate said the extended house's owner Ghos Ghulam must demolish, or scale back, the rear and side extension of his home in Roberts Road, High Wycombe.

This was because it affected the "living conditions" of a house next door.

But the occupants of this house did not object to the plan.

Roger Colomb, the Wycombe district councillor for the area, said: "It is all based on one thing, that the next door neighbour, who is the only person, is affected.

"But they couldn't care less.

"It is an indication of how the planning rules can be inflexible and come up with irrational decisions.

"To me it appeared to be illogical, but what is done is done."

Cllr Colomb said the neighbour has a large garden shed which covered a considerable part of the extension.

The Planning Inspectorate accepted that a number of houses had similar extensions, but that Mr Ghulam's was too big.

And although the inspector acknowledged Mr Ghulam had been told he did not need planning permission, he said it could not affect his decision.

The district council member responsible for planning said it was important the planning rules were followed.

Cllr Hugh McCarthy said "You cannot flout the planning laws.

"They are there for the greater good and it is something we have to see regulated. All these laws are in place for the common good. We need to get this message out there.

"We do not want to cause trouble for you, but you need to play within the rules."

He added that the council had made every effort to reach a compromise with the homeowner.

Mr Ghulam, who did not wish to speak to the Bucks Free Press, could now decide if he wants to go to the High Court for a judicial review of the case.