What happened

On a permitted-development extension, the roof tile was changed from approved to a similar but visually different alternative. A neighbour complained to planning enforcement.

How it was discovered

Planning enforcement officer's site visit.

The consequences

Retrospective planning application to vary the approved tile. Approved after eight weeks. No remedial work needed, but a stressful summer.

What homeowners can learn

On-site changes to externally visible materials need approval. The bigger the visible change, the bigger the risk.