text: 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 don't know how it was possible that things have got to this stage. 'Lots of money will have been spent on this and I can'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 can't move in without planning permission. It is an expensive and unnecessary position to be in. 'If the council followed its officers, we wouldn't find ourselves in this situation. There would be significant work to do, but we consider a demolition is unreasonable.'
target: A brand apartment block with  14 flats has been built in Bath city centre .
  Residents said it was three feet higher and four feet wider than plans .
  Council said it 'breached' planning control and ordered it to be bulldozed .
  Landmark Developments Ltd is appealing against 'unreasonable' decision .