An investigation has been launched into alleged unauthorised building work on a residential street in Beaconsfield.

Sorbon Estates was given planning permission by South Bucks District Council in 2014 for works at 69 Horseshoe Crescent.

The approved plans included a one-and-a-half-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension and amendments to the parking layout.

In January 2023, the property investor had its appeal against Buckinghamshire Council’s refusal of permission for additional works at the site dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate due to concerns about highway safety and other issues.

These rejected proposals included changes to the internal layout of the property, additional floorspace and the provision of a downstairs toilet.

However, Buckinghamshire Council is now investigating allegations that building work is taking place for plans that were refused planning permission, the Cabinet Member for Planning & Regeneration, Peter Strachan told the BBC Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

He said: “We have received several very recent reports of enquiries regarding alleged unauthorised building work at this site.

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“Our Planning Enforcement team is currently investigating the matter and will take appropriate action if needed.”

The investigation follows concerns from neighbours, who think that the construction work they can see at 69 Horseshoe Crescent is being carried out without planning permission.

One anonymous resident living near the site told the LDRS that neighbours were “distressed” at what they claimed was building work without planning permission.

However, Sorbon said that it is only building its plans that were approved in 2014 – not those submitted under application PL/22/1444/FA that were dismissed on appeal in 2023.

Documents show that the property developer’s notice of intended building work – known in planning as an ‘Initial Notice’ – was accepted by South Bucks District Council in 2017.

The following day, the foundation was excavated and witnessed by Building Control, as per the terms of the council’s decision notice, which required that development begin within three years of permission being granted.

A spokesperson for Sorbon Estates told the LDRS: “Sorbon Estates can confirm that all site works are being carried out in accordance with planning permission 14/01056/FUL.

“The works relating to planning permission were made extant in April 2017, following the issuing of the permission on July 24, 2014.

“The commencement of development does not require the person carrying out the works to complete them at the same time.

“This is within the three-year timeframe for development to be begun. We have been and will continue to be in communications with the local residents throughout this process.”