Full Breakdown
West Lancashire Council Orders Demolition of £180,000 Home Extension, Leaving Mother of Four Facing Family Split
5/4/2026, 9:08:20 PM
Background: Extension and Builder Advice
Suzie Cavadino, a Bootle native, bought a house on Sunnyside in Aughton almost 20 years ago. In 2022 she spent £180,000 to replace an old conservatory with a two-storey extension containing the boiler, kitchen and a split bedroom for two children. The builder told her planning permission was unnecessary.
Chronology of the Planning Dispute
The extension was finished in December 2022. In early 2024 the council notified Cavadino that planning consent was required and on 24 April 2024 issued an enforcement notice ordering demolition of the first floor, setting a compliance deadline of 24 April 2026. The statutory period to challenge the Planning Inspectorate’s decision in the High Court expired on 5 December 2025.
Key Figures and Financial Stakes
The extension cost £180,000; demolition is quoted at £50,000. The household includes four children aged 12-19, with two upstairs bedrooms for two of them. Compliance must be achieved by 24 April 2026, after the High Court deadline of 5 December 2025.
Council and Inspectorate Position
West Lancashire Council said it must enforce planning decisions and urged residents to seek council advice before building. The council added it would meet with affected residents to offer practical alternatives and support. It also stated that if the Independent Planning Inspectorate upholds an enforcement notice, the council is legally bound to comply. The Planning Inspectorate upheld the notice, extending the compliance period to 2026.
Resident’s Opposition and Impact
Cavadino says the demolition will “split up [her] family forever” because the two upstairs bedrooms are needed for her children. She reports no council assistance and a failed GoFundMe. As a homeowner, she is ineligible for council housing, limiting her options.
Discrepancy Between Builder Advice and Council Requirement
The builder’s claim that permission was unnecessary conflicts with the council’s finding that consent was required. No independent verification of the builder’s advice is provided, and sources do not indicate whether an appeal was lodged before the enforcement notice.
Direct Voices
- “My head has fallen off.” — Suzie Cavadino
- “We can keep the kitchen but upstairs has to go. It’s good that we’re keeping the kitchen but we’re still in a position where our family is going to be split up forever.” — Suzie Cavadino
- “I trusted a builder who told me planning permission wasn’t needed. That mistake has now put my entire family at risk of losing everything.” — Suzie Cavadino (GoFundMe page)
- “We recognise the impact planning decisions can have and meet with the residents affected to offer practical alternatives and support.” — West Lancashire Council spokesperson
Future Steps and Deadlines
Cavadino has six months to demolish the upper floor while retaining the ground-floor kitchen. If she fails to meet the 24 April 2026 deadline, West Lancashire Council will arrange the demolition itself and enforce compliance under the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling.
