A block of flats built in contradiction to approved plans is likely to face enforced demolition from Barnet Council.

The new build at 11 Capel Road, on the corner of Rosslyn Avenue in East Barnet, was approved as plans for a two-storey block of five flats.

However, the finished structure was found to be 1.2 metres closer to Rosslyn Avenue than had been signed off by Barnet Council in the initial plan.

An attempt to gain retrospective planning permission was rejected at the Chipping Barnet area committee on Thursday, February 9.

The building, while finished but so far uninhabited, now faces a demolition order from the council’s planning enforcement team.

Chair of the Chipping Barnet planning committee Cllr Wendy Prentice said: “The developer need only have followed his own plans and built the flats in the right place to have avoided this situation.

“Instead, considerable distress has been caused to neighbouring residents.

“I hope this decision sends a clear message to developers that this committee is always prepared to take action in the interests of Chipping Barnet residents.”

Applications for flats to be built at 11 Capel Road already been refused twice by the committee and dismissed at appeal before an application was approved.