2 days ago
Ex-Premier League star in feud with furious neighbours over family home plans
Ex-Norwich striker Dean Ashton, 41, has clashed with his residents over extension plans for his £525,000 home in the heart of the city's Golden Triangle
Former Premier League ace Dean Ashton has been blasted by his neighbours - before even moving into his new home.
The ex- Norwich striker, 41, has clashed with his residents over extension plans for his £525,000 home in the heart of Norwich's Golden Triangle.
He has faced a backlash over an application he submitted to extend the property in Cambridge Street, which is currently sitting empty.
The plans were met with objections from neighbouring properties, with locals fearing the works would harm the appearance of the Victorian terraces, according to a report by the EDP. And a design team at City Hall said the proposals were "obtrusive" and "overwhelming".
Despite these complaints, the planning department at Norwich City Council agreed to approve Mr Ashton's application, much to the frustration of those living nearby.
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The plans include a single-storey rear extension, a dormer and steps at the front of the house to lead to the basement. The size of the extension was reduced after objections were lodged to the original proposals but the concerns of neighbours and council officers were not assuaged.
Comments on the application said it would visually intrude on surrounding properties in a "brutal fashion" and one person described it as an "ugly eyesore".
An objection by the conservation and design team at Norwich City Council said: "The cumulative massing of the proposed development is overwhelming for a terraced property of this size.
"It is considered to cause harm to the overall character of the area."
Mr Ashton said he was not aware of concerns raised by neighbours and stressed the application was approved through the correct process.
He said the property would be a "family home" for him, his wife, Gemma, who is a netball coach, and their children.
Mr Ashton now works as football pundit but was a former England international who played for Canaries from 2005 to 2006. During his career he made 248 appearances, scoring 93 goals. He played for three clubs throughout his career, including Crewe Alexander and West Ham.
