A FOUR-HOME cube labelled "a monstrosity" has been granted planning permission.
The box-like design proposed for Yorke Road in Reigate was universally criticised by Reigate and Banstead borough councillors, who nonetheless approved it.
One councillor called it "a monstrosity", another likened it to a Rubik's cube and a third labelled it "revolting".
However, the authority's planning committee has previously approved the principle of development on the site, currently occupied by two-bedroom Penne Cottage, and five earlier designs have all been refused. Members feared the council may lose a costly planning appeal if it dismissed the latest plans.
Committee member Natalie Bramhall said: "We have got this application that probably nobody in this chamber likes but we are in a position that if we refuse this, we will lose an appeal – that is as clear as eggs is eggs.
"Excuse the pun, but we have been boxed into a corner," she added.
The council received 28 objections to the scheme, all of which complained the design was out of character with the surrounding area.
However, the committee voted to pass the Merrow Homes application by 13 votes to 1, with 3 councillors abstaining.
