A builder has been forced to leave a building in Glossop half-finished after planners unexpectedly rejected his proposals. 

Vincent Napolitano bought the property at 82 Sheffield Road to develop into a family home and initially his plans also included building a second home on the site but these were turned down. 

So taking on board what High Peak Borough Council’s planning department said, he worked with an architect and had new plans drawn up, removing the second property from the site and amending the proposals for the original building. 

Vincent told the Chronicle: “We made it more traditional and the porch smaller and put dormers in the roof and we submitted it.” 

The changes meant further public consultation by the council asking for comments and again no objections were submitted. 

He said the officer in the case came back and said they were happy with what was proposed, subject to some changes, as they wanted it to be two dormers not three and for more glass in the porch. 

So again, further plans were drawn and resubmitted to the council. 

Vincent says he even received an email from the planning officer saying they didn’t see any problem with the revised plans. 

Work at the site continued in readiness for approval being granted as indicated by the email. 

“I had the lads there getting ready to take the roof off,” explained Vincent. “Had roof joiners set to come in and put new timbers in roof space.” 

But then Vincent received notice that his application had been turned down. 

“I can’t get my head round it. When they agreed it in an email, after we had worked with the architect and had drawings done.” 

When Vincent spoke to a senior planner they stated ‘it is not really agreed until it is agreed’. 

“I don’t know what they want,” said Vincent. “I am at a standstill now and have actually come away from there.” 

He apologised to the neighbours for the way the site currently looks, while work is stopped.  

“It is such a shame. It is the neighbours that are having to put up with a building site next door. 

“All we want to do is build a nice family home.” 

Vincent is now weighing up his options and is considering appealing the planning departments decision. 

His partner Beverly is looking to also get a petition in support of the plans. 

A High Peak Borough Council spokesperson said: “The Council will always try to work with applicants to resolve issues but, on this occasion, the revised application did not address the previous reasons for refusal.  

“Of course, the applicant does have a right of appeal, to the Planning Inspectorate, which he may wish to exercise.” 

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