A MAN who used his garden shed as an art studio has been ordered to knock it down after falling foul of planning laws.
Peter Adams was given the green light for the outhouse by his landlords and believed it would not require additional council approval.
2
2
He said the wooden structure would help him paint and that art helps him overcome health difficulties.
Council officials demanded he apply for planning permission for the 9ft high shed beside his home Mayfield, Midlothian.
However it was then rejected after they said it was ‘unconventional’ and did not fit in with the surrounding area.
A frustrated Adams appealed the ruling to the Scottish Government but they have now upheld the council decision.
In a letter to the government, he said: “My initial plans were submitted and I was given the go ahead to start building as they saw no issues with what I had proposed.
“After the build was almost complete I was then told by Midlothian Council that it did not meet regulations and needed to be changed.
“I spent a lot of time and money on the project and it was a great source of joy for me.”
Adams added: “The letter I received advising me I can appeal states that the appeal must be based on one or more of the points in the planning act.
Most read in Money
“I honestly do not understand a lot of the wording in the letter or planning acts so I have done my best but feel this may be improved if I received help from people with a better understanding of it all.
“I would appreciate any help to resolve this ongoing issue, as I have mentioned above I am very open to compromise, even if that means moving the shed, but I ask for assistance to understand the full requirements.”
A council report said: “The applicant has stated that he has permission from Melville Housing Association for the outbuilding and that they advised him that it was not necessary for him to contact the council.
“He states that he has incurred expense building the shed. He also states that none of his neighbour’s windows look on to the shed.
“The intended use for the shed is as an art studio; he states art has helped with his health issues.”
In their original enforcement notice, Midlothian Council said: “As a result of a combination of its position, design and size the building appears as an incongruous feature with a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area.”
Upholding the council decision, government reporter Fortune Gumbo said: “I have considered all of the other matters raised, but there are none which would lead me to alter my conclusion that the enforcement notice should be upheld.”
We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200
