Mum Fears Homelessness as Council Orders Demolition of £180k Extension
A mother of four is facing the terrifying prospect of homelessness after her local council demanded she demolish a £180,000 extension to her family home. Suzie Cavadino, who has lived in her Aughton property for around two decades, replaced an old conservatory with a two-storey extension that now houses essential living spaces.
The Extension That Became a Family Lifeline
Suzie Cavadino completed the substantial extension work in December 2022, transforming what was once a conservatory into vital living quarters. The ground floor now contains the family's sole kitchen and boiler system, while the upper level provides an additional bedroom that has been partitioned to accommodate two of her children.
The family's builder originally assured Suzie that planning approval wouldn't be necessary for the construction work, leading her to proceed with the project in good faith. However, West Lancashire Council later informed her that proper consent was indeed required, sparking a lengthy dispute that has left the family in limbo.
Council's Stance and Planning Inspector's Decision
West Lancashire Council maintains that the extension is "out of keeping with the character of the surrounding area" and has pursued enforcement action. The case reached the Planning Inspectorate, which upheld the council's enforcement notice while extending the compliance deadline to April 24, 2026.
In correspondence seen by local media, council assistant director Paul Charlson stated: "The council has carefully considered the circumstances surrounding this case and has already provided Ms Cavadino with all the advice, flexibility and support that is available within the planning process."
Planning inspector KA Taylor concluded in October that the development "causes harm to the character and appearance of the host property and surrounding area" and refused to grant retrospective planning permission.
A Family's Desperate Plea
Suzie Cavadino argues passionately that the extension blends seamlessly with her property, featuring matching render and backing onto open fields rather than neighboring homes. She points out that the previous conservatory stood for seventeen years and was actually larger than the current structure.
"I don't get it, this is our home," Suzie told reporters. "It's been up for over two years and I don't know why, after that long, it needs to come down. If that goes we will literally be homeless. We won't be able to live here and we will have nowhere to live."
The mother explained that demolishing the ground floor would eliminate their kitchen and heating system, while removing the upstairs bedroom would create severe overcrowding for her four children aged between 12 and 19.
Financial and Practical Realities
Complicating matters further, Suzie claims she cannot afford the demolition costs herself. With the April deadline approaching, she faces the grim possibility that the council might take matters into its own hands and remove the structure at her expense.
A council spokesperson acknowledged the difficult situation, stating: "We recognise the impact this situation has on Ms Cavadino and her family, and we have met with her to offer practical alternatives and support." However, they emphasized that the Planning Inspector's decision is legally binding and must be enforced.
The family's appeal to their local MP, Ashley Dalton, has so far failed to produce a resolution, leaving them in a state of uncertainty as the compliance deadline looms ever closer.
