The owner of a property in central Swindon will be relieved he doesn’t have to knock down a small block of flats he has built.

Mr 'T Doka' owns the house at 109 Dean Street.

In 2006 the outbuilding at the rear of the property was granted permission for conversion to a home, but it was not used as one.

In 2022 permission was granted to build an extension to the outbuilding and convert it to two flats.

But, in fact, the building was divided into three one-bed flats.

The front of the building has the appearance of two semi-detached houses, but instead there are two flats on the ground and first floor and a third studio flat in the attic space.

That wasn’t what was given permission and could fall foul of enforcement activity by the council.

But Mr Doka’s application for retrospective permission to legalize the building was approved by Euclid Street planners.

Their report said: “When considering the building in its built form, it does appear bulky airing on the incongruous side.

“However, officers should consider the difference between the approved planning permission and the as-built form.

“Whilst the existing building is higher than the approved by 0.4 metres, it is not considered that enforcing the applicant to reduce the height would have a significant effect on the appearance of the building and its overall appearance within the street scene.”