A property on Wherstead Road has sparked a mixture of amusement and bemusement after the owner carried out exterior renovations using what appears to be a material designed only for internal work, leaving debris all over the street.
The big picture: The owner of 189a Wherstead Road, Ipswich, has rendered an exterior wall with what seems to be Plaster of Paris, a gypsum-based plaster typically used for finishing internal walls. The windows have also been removed and plastered over during the work.
Why it matters: Plaster of Paris is not recommended for exterior use due to its lack of durability and water solubility and is unlikely to last long in British weather.
While window removal doesn't require planning permission for non-listed buildings, removing all natural light from the property, which last sold for £81,000 in October 2007, also raised a few eyebrows.
What they're saying: The work has sparked a mixture of reactions and one-liners on social media.
Local resident Rachael Willcox expressed her frustration, stating: "The mess they've left outside running down the street is a disgrace outside my mum & dads house it will block the drain."
The father of nearby resident and a local plasterer, Steve Middlewick, said: "They've used Carlite Bonding which is an interior background plaster, my son, who's a plasterer, saw it yesterday and had a good laugh! Don't think he could quite believe his eyes! Its a sodding ridiculous eyesore and they should be made to knock it all off and replace it with render. Oh, and clean up the bloody mess on the pavements!"
Another local, Thomas Goode, simply commented: "What a joke."
What's next: The work may require further investigation to ensure compliance with building regulations, particularly regarding the use of appropriate materials for exterior work. Ipswich Borough Council has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
