A FAMILY have been left horrified after their neighbour built a “monstrous watchtower” looking directly into their daughter’s bedroom.
The owner of an Airbnb in Conwy, Wales, erected a looming garden structure that’s been compared to a “prison camp watchtower” by furious locals.
Nick Whitmore/Daily Post WalesNeighbours have slammed the Airbnb next door which has a ‘watch tower’ looking over their garden[/caption]
Nick Whitmore/Daily Post WalesThe structure, built without planning permission, has been looming over residents for 15 months[/caption]
Neighbour Nick Whitmore, 35, moved into his dream house in Rhos on Sea with his partner and three kids in 2021 – but claims the holiday-home horror is ruining their lives.
Mr Whitmore said: “The main house of the Airbnb, once a domestic dwelling when we bought ours in 2021, is now a full-time holiday let. It’s advertised on Airbnb year-round, bringing noise, light pollution, and worse.
“The impact on my partner, our three children, and our neighbours is horrendous.
“The structure dominates our house and garden, as well as our neighbours’. It looks into my daughter’s bedroom.”
Originally the structure, built in January last year, was supposed to be a “garden room” but the retrospective application was rejected by Conwy Council’s planning department in June 2024.
Aghast neighbours reported it to the council and with the proposal rejected had hoped the structure would be ordered to be demolished.
It’s been standing for 15 months but now, much to the dismay of neighbours who are desperate for the tower to be torn down, a new application has been submitted by JAM Domestic Properties Ltd.
The neighbours described the new proposal, submitted earlier this month, as a “near-identical planning application” and are baffled at why the council isn’t taking any action.
Mr Whitmore was in disbelief when the council didn’t enforce their own refusal and slammed officials for “sitting on their hands” while locals live in “anxiety.”
While the Conwy Council has not yet come to a final decision, a statement suggested the new proposal was “not considered to have a detrimental impact on privacy or residential amenity to neighbouring properties”.
The problem was exacerbated in May last year when Mr Whitmore caught someone taking pictures from the top of the tower, raising concerns about his family’s privacy.
He believes his children, all under the age of 10, are at risk of being watched by Airbnb guests using the garden room as it’s far taller than the property itself.
Fellow frustrated neighbour Susan Mahony also wrote an objection letter to the council saying the tower would potentially enable direct eyeline into a bedroom window.
Strong opinions were further expressed to Colwyn Bay Town Council at a planning meeting on Monday.
The point was made that would nearby household has eight windows that could be overlooked by the tower and that the privacy of residents would be at risk.
A Conwy Council spokeswoman said: “Planning permission was granted in 2016 for a smaller garden structure on this site. In February 2024, it was brought to our attention that a larger outbuilding was being constructed.
“Following an investigation by the planning enforcement officer, the owners agreed to cease work and to submit a planning application to regularise the work.
“An application was submitted; it was refused on 17/06/2024 based on concerns about the impact of the structure on the street scene. Following this, the owner employed the services of a local planning agent.
“Officers have not taken enforcement action at this time as positive steps are still being taken to seek to voluntarily regularise the breach.”
She said enforcement action couldn’t be taken to stop unauthorised development and that there had to be planning reasons for this to happen.
According to the council, Local Planning Authorities must act in a “proportionate way” in responding to suspected breaches of planning.
The spokeswoman continued: “A new planning application has now been submitted, and although the proposal has not changed, the agent has provided additional information which includes a topographical survey, additional site plans, and a supporting statement to seek to overcome the refusal reasons.
“Officers will now consider the merits of the current application. If it’s refused, we will consider serving an enforcement notice.”
The Sun has contacted JAM Domestic Properties Ltd for comment.
What to do if you find yourself in a neighbour feud
Check Your Property Documents
Start by reviewing all the documents you can access about the case. The more evidence you have the more likely you will be successful. Ensure you have a leg to stand on before entering a legal battle.
Communicate with Your Neighbours
Approach your neighbours calmly and politely to discuss the issue and try to reach an agreement before taking any formal action. Sorting issues before they go to court can save money, stress, and time.
Look for a Surveyor
If there’s disagreement, hire a professional surveyor to conduct a survey. This can offer a bit of clarity and might help resolve the matter without legal intervention.
Seek Legal Advice Early:
If the dispute cannot be resolved, consult a solicitor. They can advise on your rights and the best course of action.
Be Prepared for Costs
Boundary disputes can be expensive, especially if they go to court. Legal fees, surveyor costs, and potential damages can quickly add up. Make sure you weigh the financial and emotional toll of litigation against the value of winning the dispute.
Respect Court Decisions:
If the matter reaches court and a ruling is made, accept the decision to avoid further costs and stress. Prolonging a case can lead to significant financial hardship.
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