A CONTROVERSIAL plan to erect a cabin in the garden of an Airbnb in Rhos on Sea has been approved after councillors performed a U-turn at Conwy County Council’s planning committee.
The decision follows a long-standing row about a garden room dubbed “a prison watchtower”.
Residents living on Tan y Bryn Road next to the structure had complained the “watchtower” was overbearing, and the “garden room” was ordered to be taken down by the council.
After several other refused planning applications, councillors then refused permission in March for a smaller “cube-shaped” structure proposed by the same applicant, Jim Oates, of JAM Domestic Properties.
That scheme related to a replacement for the previous structure built without consent and later demolished following enforcement action after a Planning Inspectorate appeal was dismissed.
The latest application returned to the council’s planning committee at Coed Pella HQ in Colwyn Bay on Wednesday (13 May).
Councillors were tasked with reaffirming their March decision to go against officers’ recommendation to approve, with the professional advice being the applicant already had similar planning permission in place from 10 years ago.
Cllr Goronwy Edwards proposed councillors refused permission, but other members were reluctant to second or back his proposal, fearing another, potentially costly, planning appeal.
Cllr Edwards said the development would have “a very visual impact because of the elevation” and described it as “detrimental to the amenity and value of neighbouring residences”.
Cllr Alan Hunter then proposed that members accept officers’ recommendation to grant permission, with Cllr Austin Roberts seconding the motion, despite both appearing reluctant.
During the discussion, Cllr Hunter asked whether a condition could be imposed preventing the installation of a hot tub, but officers advised this would not be possible.
The planning committee voted in favour of granting permission with eight in favour, three against, and three abstaining.
