Builder's dream home torn down

A builder has had his dream home torn down because he is alleged to have contravened planning regulations.

Steve Woodfinden-Lewis, 49, had permission to build a three-bedroom cottage in Woodford, near Stockport.

But he angered Stockport metropolitan planning officers after he ended up building a four-bedroom home, with two en-suite bathrooms. They ordered that the home be demolished.

Woodfinden-Lewis is reported to have wept as the home was pulled down yesterday so that it can be rebuilt on the same site, according to the Daily Telegraph.

He claims that two years of wrangling with the council has affected his house, marriage and £30,000 in legal fees. He is also expected to pay the cost of demolition.