Work has temporarily ceased at a city centre building site following concerns about the size of the steel framework and damage to a listed wall.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is in discussions with Westby Homes about its Commonhall Street scheme for 24 town houses and apartments.

The company has so far not commented but the framework has been built tight against the full length of a boundary wall when planning consent only allowed a middle section in that position.

The damage to the listed brick wall at the Westby Homes building site in Commonhall Street

Workers claim just one balcony was too close to neighbouring properties which has now been removed. Reinforcements on the listed boundary wall were also damaged to erect upright girders which workers said was an oversight but can be repaired. Workers also admitted a connection to the main sewer was 20cm too deep but denied damaging the archaeology.

A council spokesman said: “The council is working closely with Westby Homes and their contractor to address some concerns about the development works so far, including the position and size of the steel frame and damage to a listed wall.

“The site is in the middle of our historic city and as such is archaeologically sensitive. We are satisfied that all archaeological requirements requested of the company have been carried out by specialists, the necessary documents completed and no significant damage to deposits incurred.

“The company stopped all work on the areas of concern as soon as requested, making enforcement action unnecessary at this point.

“This authority will always initially work with any individual or developer to stop and amend works – using taxpayers’ money to prosecute them is treated as a last resort. Talks between the council and the developer are ongoing at this time.”