A homeowner in a picturesque Welsh coastal village is at the centre of a bitter planning dispute after building a towering 40-foot cabin in his garden without permission and now seeking to add a balcony to it.
Neighbours Decry 'Prison Camp Watchtower'
The large, elevated structure was constructed in the garden of a new-build Airbnb property in the small seaside resort of Rhos on Sea, Wales. Neighbours have furiously compared the scaffolding-clad cabin, perched atop heightened boundary walls, to a prison camp watchtower.
Residents claim the overbearing development makes them feel like 'zoo animals' and complain of repeated disturbances from holiday let guests. Nick Whitmore, a neighbour, said the situation had been 'a very stressful and difficult time' for his family and others living nearby.
A Planning Battle Rages On
The conflict began in January 2024 when the cabin was erected suddenly. The local council refused to grant retrospective planning permission, a decision upheld by a planning inspector who ruled the structure must be torn down following a failed appeal.
Despite this ruling, the cabin remains. In a move described by Mr Whitmore as 'absolutely breathtaking', the homeowner has now submitted a fresh planning application, this time seeking permission to add a balcony to the contentious build.
'It appears the merry-go-round continues with no respite or respect shown for neighbours,' Mr Whitmore told the Daily Telegraph.
Council Concerns and Next Steps
In their initial ruling, council inspectors noted 'strong objections' due to the cabin's impact on the privacy and amenity of neighbouring homes, citing its dominant nature and raised platform.
Neighbours hope the latest application will be rejected when it goes before the planning committee. 'We hope... our county councillors will see through this latest application,' said Mr Whitmore, adding that they look forward to the structure finally being torn down in February if it is refused.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in communities between property owners developing lucrative holiday lets and the rights of permanent residents to peaceful enjoyment of their homes.
