Planning row sees developer forced to build flat around lamppost

A view of Adisa House, a new block of flats under construction in Gillingham, Kent, where developers have had to build around an existing lamp post to remain within construction deadlines - (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Builders have been forced to build a block of flats around a lamppost due to a planning row.

The four-storey accommodation on Jeffery Street, Gillingham, can be seen with the street lighting sticking out of the middle of one of the outdoor spaces.

A spokesman for developer Afaad Ltd told KentOnline it was the only way they could hit a tight deadline as they waited for permission from Medway Council, so “we can’t touch it”.

The Chatham-based company also told the PA news agency that the lamppost is going to be taken out and it is waiting for the council to take it down.

A view of Adisa House, a new block of flats under construction in Gillingham, Kent, where developers have had to build around an existing lamp post to remain within construction deadlines (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

KentOnline reported how residents joked about the new fitting saving on electricity bills and being used as a fire escape.

Medway Council said it was aware of issues at the flats, mostly relating to building control, which were being looked at by an inspector.