A brand new £4million apartment block in a World Heritage Site is facing demolition after residents complained that it was four feet wider than approved . Landmark Developments Ltd tore down a derelict property in Bath city centre and replaced it with a modern block of 14 flats . But residents complained that the development was three feet higher and four feet wider than the plans approved by the council . A brand new £4million apartment block in Bath ( pictured ) is facing demolition - because it is four feet wider than approved . Bath and North East Somerset Council says the developer has committed a 'breach of planning control ' and ordered the building to be bulldozed . Dr Douglas Bernardt , a local resident with a PHD in architecture , described the situation as 'madness ' . He said : ' I do n't know how it was possible that things have got to this stage . 'Lots of money will have been spent on this and I ca n't understand why it was built different to what they had permission for . It 's total madness . 'Architecturally I think there is nothing to complain about . The flats look nice , it 's not aggressive to look at . ' But Architect David Hadfield claimed the building was 1.5ft higher and just under three feet wider in some places than the approved plans . He said : 'Late in the design process the building ’ s insurers insisted on the introduction of a steel frame which resulted in the increase in width , and improved noise separation increased floor thicknesses adding to the height . ' Planning permission for the development at 43 Upper Oldfield Park was granted in 2009 following three rejections since 2007 . Planning permission for the development at 43 Upper Oldfield Park was granted in 2009 following three rejections since 2007 . Bath and North East Somerset Council says the developer has committed a 'breach of planning control ' and ordered the building ( right ) to be bulldozed . The average price of a two-bedroom flat in the area is £289,000 , meaning the 14 flats would be worth at least £3.9million on the open market . In October last year - as the building neared completion - residents complained that it differed from the approved plans . Bath and North East Somerset Council halted construction and ordered Landmark Development to apply for retrospective permission . Planning officers said they thought the work was 'acceptable ' and said permission should be granted . But the council 's Development Control Committee disagreed and rejected the proposals on April 17 , giving the developer six months to demolish the building . Architect David Hadfield submitted this drawing of the development showing the approved height and width in grey and the existing building in bold . The committee said it felt the development was 'harmful ' to the character and appearance of the conservation area . Landmark Development is appealing against the decision and a meeting will be held next week . Marc Willis , who is the developer 's planning consultant , described the council 's decision as 'unreasonable ' . He said : 'The report suggests the complete demolition and it must be done within six months . The developer is very concerned and is doing everything to stop it . 'The planning officers said the plans were okay , but the council said no . The idea that they have ignored the officers is just wrong . 'We have been in constant dialogue with the council . Demolition goes well beyond what is needed to remedy the issue . 'There are 14 flats which should be on the market now , but you ca n't move in without planning permission . It is an expensive and unnecessary position to be in . 'If the council followed its officers , we would n't find ourselves in this situation . There would be significant work to do , but we consider a demolition is unreasonable . '
A brand apartment block with luxury flats has been built in Bath shopping centre . Residents said it was five feet higher and four feet wider than plans . Council said it ' breached ' planning rules and ordered it to be demolished . tower Developments Ltd is appealing against ' unreasonable ' decision .