A MAN who converted his house into flats without obtaining planning permission has been ordered to reverse the building work. Savvas Elia turned his home, in Neville Close, Potters Bar, into two self-contained flats in October 2007. But he did not have co

A MAN who converted his house into flats without obtaining planning permission has been ordered to reverse the building work.

Savvas Elia turned his home, in Neville Close, Potters Bar, into two self-contained flats in October 2007.

But he did not have consent from Hertsmere Borough Council to start the work and was subsequently told to apply for retrospective planning permission.

This has since been refused and the council has also served an enforcement notice on Mr Elia, requiring him to return the house to its original state.

A council spokeswoman confirmed: "We have asked for the work to be undone."

An appeal against the enforcement action has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate but, at this stage, it is not known if Mr Elia will contest the council's refusal to grant him planning permission.

In turning down his application, council planners expressed concerns that the conversion of the house into flats was "out of keeping with the character of the rest of the properties in Neville Close".

They also said the development "results in increased activity and disturbance to neighbouring occupiers, including likely additional parking demands".

Officers also concluded that Mr Elia had made no provision for the storage of refuse and recycling at the flats.

At the time of going to writing, the Potters Bar Edition had been unable to reach Mr Elia for comment.