Is it normal to step brickwork forward to accommodate cavity tray?

[Edwary]

I required a lintel inserted above second floor window to support brickwork of small parapet wall. (double glazing company had many years previous failed to support brickwork resulting in stepped cracking at both ends)

When the bricklayers had finished I discovered that they had set the wall above the window forward by around 15mm interrupting the running bond. When questioned they said it was because of the lintel and now "a feature". The builder that employed them says it was necessary to get the cavity tray in as the cavity in the 1930s wall was only a fingers width. Is this normal and If so, shouldn't the cavity tray have extended beyond the opening?