A RETIRED doctor will have to demolish his new home after an inquiry found he had breached planning regulations.

The Bolton News reported in April how Dr Mohammed Sidda had launched an appeal over Bolton Council’s demands that he knock down his five-bedroom house in Regent Road, Lostock.

The local authority said the house was too big and further forward than the plans it had given permission for in 2011, leaving Dr Sidda, aged 67, facing a bill of up to £120,000 to have it torn down.

At April’s hearing at Bolton Town Hall, Dr Sidda’s barrister claimed the issue was due to the fact he had been ill, and that his inexperienced son had been left to project manage the const-ruction.

But after weeks of deliberation, govern-ment planning inspector Richard Perrins threw out the appeal, saying the development had caused “unacceptable harm to the character and appearance” of the area.

He insisted the demolition order must be carried out in the next six months.

Dr Margaret Collier, chairman of Lostock Residents’ Group, said: “This has been a very difficult situation for the applicant and neighbours alike.

“Neighbours did not object to the plans as approved.

“What was built was so much bigger that it was against the council’s policies.

“Because of this, Bolton’s officers and councillors det-ermined that the building had to be demolished.

“Neighbours are relieved that the planning inspector has upheld the view of Bolton Council.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We understand that Dr Sidda has invested a lot of money in this development, and sympathise with his circumstances.

“Nevertheless, plan-ning regulations are in place to protect local residents and the environment against inappropriate developments.

“This property differs significantly from the plans approved, and the Inspector has agreed with the council and local residents that as a result it is unacceptable in its setting, and the only remedy is for it to be demolished.”

Dr Sidda was not available for comment.