10-07-2025
Flats in Luton must be demolished, says Planning Inspectorate
Flats created at a former office block were converted without planning permission and some of them need to be demolished according a Planning Inspectorate Investments Ltd converted Shire House in Luton into 109 residential flats in Council said the development was "substandard" and the government's inspectorate has now said the three two-storey structures on the site, on Dallow Road, must be taken down. A spokesperson for Devonhurst said "the option to remove the central block of 28 units was a viable solution".
A Luton Council spokesperson said the Planning Inspectorate's decision represented a partial outcome for both sides which "strikes a difficult balance – removing the worst aspects of the accommodation while safeguarding families who have made this place their home"."While planning permission has been granted for the change of use of the site and the retention of 81 residential units, permission was refused for two buildings that were found to provide wholly unacceptable living conditions," they said."These blocks – around 28 units – must now be demolished within 17 months.A spokesperson for Luton Council said the inspector's decision "strikes a difficult balance – removing the worst aspects of the accommodation while safeguarding families who have made this place their home".
In April 2022, Luton Council issued an enforcement notice saying the three two-storey structures built on the land, behind the outer brick structure, did not have planning said the buildings had "inadequate access to natural light, ventilation, and poor outlook available" to residents who were mostly placed there by local authorities in the decision notice, the government's planning inspector said the 81 units within the retained buildings in the outer section could remain as residential this was subject to various conditions including putting in landscaping, a play area, cycle parking spaces and waste/refuse storage areas.
Former Big Brother contestant Trish Balusa, who used to live in the block with her autistic son, said hearing that some of it would have to be taken down was the "best news"."This win feels so personal because I know from my own experience how traumatising living there was," she said.
Luton Council said it was "currently reviewing and digesting the decision to ensure we can support the residents affected".
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