CHELSEA striker Armando Broja’s plans to build a dream £4million home have been booted out.
The Albanian international, 22, wants to knock down his existing four-bedroom home to make way for a luxury new build with a swimming pool, spa and cinema.
But planners gave the proposed development the red card saying it was too big – despite no objections from neighbours.
Broja, now on loan to Everton, snapped up the £1.8million property on a private Surrey estate near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground in December.
He was initially given the go-ahead by Elmbridge Borough Council to splash out on a 36 x 14ft swimming pool and gym extension earlier this year.
But Broja then applied to knock down the house and build a new five-bed three times the length of the original and increasing from 36 to 93ft.
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Planning officer Joseph Kelly ruled: “As a result of the significant increase in length and height, it is considered that the bulk, scale and massing of the proposed would far exceed that of the existing house it would replace and that of neighbouring properties.
“The proposed replacement dwelling would fill most of the length of the plot which is not in keeping with the urban grain and pattern of buildings in the streetscape that are of low density in the local area.
“Although the application site is a spacious plot, the proposed replacement house would be disproportionate, uncharacteristic and incongruous in its size and appearance compared with the existing house.”
But he added: “The proposed development would not adversely affect the residential amenities of neighbouring properties by reason of overlooking.”
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The proposed new build would have boasted a grand double height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace overlooking a 158 x 52ft garden.
But council officials blasted its grand design as “too stark” for the area which features mostly Arts and Crafts-style homes.
And they said the proposed 6ft-high x 10ft-wide entrance gates would give a “greater sense of enclosure”.
Broja’s Chelsea career has been blighted by injuries and he missed most of last season with a knee problem.
The homegrown player failed to make an impact during the second half of the season on loan at Fulham.
He has now been loaned to Everton after being told he has no future at Stamford Bridge.
He has six weeks to appeal against the council’s decision.
The Sun has approached Broja’s reps for comment.
Broja ‘really happy’ to be wanted by Everton
CHELSEA forward Armando Broja admits his loan to Everton made him feel happy to be wanted.
The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season at Fulham, one of three loan spells he has undertaken since his debut for his parent club in March 2020.
Broja made just eight substitute appearances for the Cottagers and returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer facing another season of uncertainty.
He played only 33 times for them over the last four years – partly as a result of an ACL injury – and with further new signings arriving.
A temporary move to newcomers Ipswich fell through due to concerns over an existing injury.
Everton moved just hours before the transfer deadline to secure his signature in a deal which includes an option to become permanent for £30million.
“As a player, especially as a young player, you’re keen to feel wanted by people and that’s how Everton have made me feel from day one,” Broja told evertontv.
“They’ve really wanted me and told me why, so that makes you feel really happy and proud.
“Maybe the start of the season hasn’t gone how we wanted but we can definitely turn that around with the squad and the manager we have here.
“I certainly feel like there are going to be so many more positive days ahead and, for me, I’m just focusing on getting back and integrating with the team.”
Broja’s injury means he is unlikely to be available for Everton for at least another month.
“It’s going well. Hopefully, I can be back as quick as possible. I think I’m going in the right direction,” he added.
“I want to make sure I recover well and be as strong as I can.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
