The construction of a house that was bulldozed by a builder seeking retribution has drawn criticism from nearby residents for taking “far too long.”
After a dispute over money, a builder demolished the £500,000 home in Stoneygate, Leicester, while owner Jay Kurji was away on vacation.
The neighbors have complained that their calm residential neighborhood has been transformed into a construction site for the past two years, despite Mr. Kurji being left in charge of methodically rebuilding the four-bedroom house.
Some, though, are dissatisfied with the house’s new style since it does not complement the neighborhood’s other homes.
One neighbour on the street, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘We felt for him at the time but the work has taken too long and it’s been like living on a building site.
‘What has replaced it is an ugly Grand Designs-style carbuncle, which just looks completely out of place and not in keeping with the area.
‘It towers above other people’s properties and they will be able to see into other people’s gardens.
‘After all the mess we’ve had to put up we’re left with this eyesore monstrosity.‘
Photographs show how the property has undergone significant renovation work but still remains fenced off and surrounded by scaffolding with a skip on the drive.
Another local added: ‘I think it is diabolical and the renovation work has been going on for far too long.
‘We’re unhappy with the design of the new house too as it doesn’t fit in with the rest of the houses on the street.
‘It’s overpowering compared to the other houses on the street.
‘On the renovation, the owner has gone up another story and if you look at it from the back off the house it’s higher than the rest of the houses and sticks out.
‘The colour also makes it stick out. It is so white and even if it was painted cream, it would have been a lot better.’
But other residents praised Mr Kurji for being able to rebuild the property to a good standard following his ordeal with the revenge-seeking builder.
Another neighbour said: ‘I have met the owner and he is a nice person and I think the house looks nice.
‘I remember a couple of years back that he had problems with his builder and the builder damaged the house but I don’t know if they sorted their issues out or anything more came about this.’
Mr Kurji refused to comment when approached today but said previously: ‘It’s a nightmare, unfortunately I picked the worst builder in Britain.
‘I bought the house last year and employed a builder to start work in February.
‘We wanted lots of work doing so it could be our family home for six of us.
‘I was on holiday 200 miles away when all the scaffolding was taken down and the house damaged.
‘When I called police they told me they couldn’t do anything because it’s a dispute so not a criminal care.’