A FORMER RAF engineer’s home used to look out onto a stunning coastline until 90 “eyesore” cabins were built right in front of his property.
Retired serviceman Stephen McGranaghan previously could see open countryside from his bedroom window but now his view is blocked by the cabins, some of which are two storeys high.
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Under his local authority’s own planning rules, no property should be built within 21 metres of an existing building.
The closest cabin is just 9.5 metres from his house.
Many other residents in Llantwit Major, South Wales, where the “monstrous” development has been approved by Vale of Glamorgan council, are almost as close to the “eyesore” structures.
Locals say the council has refused to say who will be living in the cabins but has been refuted by the authority, saying they will house Ukranian refugees.
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Widower Mr McGranaghan, 61, who also worked for British Airways, said the stress of living next to the site is taking its toll on him and other locals.
‘HORRENDOUS’
He told The Sun Online: “It is horrendous living next to this ugly monstrosity.
“It used to be a wonderful place to live but now it’s awful.
“We’ve basically been living next to a building site for two years. No disrespect to the builders – they’re fine and it’s not their fault – but our homes get so covered in dust and dirt they have to be washed down every few months.
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“The dust is so bad it caused one woman here to have such a nasty asthma attack she needed hospital treatment.
“The stress for her was worse because she was also trying to look after her very poorly husband, who has now died.
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“The council should never have approved this kind of site in the middle of a residential area like this.
“They’ve thrown a giant fence around the whole site with one entrance. It looks like a compound.”
His neighbour, Jennifer Edwards, agrees. “Why does the council think this plot is suitable? It’s the middle of nowhere out here so how are the refugees or homeless people living there supposed to get anywhere, such as a supermarket.
“If they’re Ukrainians, they will most likely be families so they’ll need to do a weekly shop. Well, the nearest supermarkets are 10 miles away in Bridgend and Barry.
“This development is ridiculous. It’s an eyesore and it has created noise and dust.
Jan Williams
“They won’t be able to rely on the bus service because it’s been cut and even if they do manage to catch one, they’ve then got to carry heavy bags from the nearest stop to the compound and it’s a good 10 minutes walk.
“It’s very unlikely they’ll have cars so they’ll be in a mess.”
Another local, Jan Williams, said: “This development is ridiculous. It’s an eyesore and it has created noise and dust.
“Originally, in the early days of site preparation about two years ago, the rumour was that it was supposedly going to be a health centre, which is something we could really do with.
“But now we learn it might be for refugees or the homeless. That seems totally inappropriate.”
Worse, the eyesore project has so far cost taxpayers around £20million, according to locals who have researched available council documents in their hunt for information.
“It’s an absolute scandal” said Mr McGranaghan. “They claim they can get that sum back in rents over the next 50 years, but it’s unlikely refugees or the homeless will be able to rent.
“We’ve had to so-called consultation meetings with the council representatives in the past year or so and we’re none the wiser. They simply won’t engage with us.
“This compound is simply too close to existing housing and should not be built here.
“There is no additional infrastructure either, such as GP surgeries or schools.”
In response, the council has said letters have been sent out to the residents explaining the situation and have held two “very well attended” information sessions near to the site last year.
It also says information about the scheme is also available on their website.
The council also said a lot of “misinformation” had been spread online by what it called “far right groups”.
Another local, Dave Thomas, said: “They are massively overbearing. From my French doors in the morning, I stand here putting the kettle on and all I can see is these massive units.”
In a comment made at the end of 2023, Vale of Glamorgan Council said it was not possible to say for how long the accommodation units would be needed.
A lot of the neighbours have got them looking into their properties
Ann Knight
“It is disgusting what has been foisted on us to be honest,” said one resident, Ann Knight.
“We are fortunate, we have got quite a long garden. It is only the bottom half of our garden that is affected.
“The photos I sent… are the view from our bedroom windows but a lot of the neighbours have got them looking into their properties.
“All of Pembroke Place has and I know some are making themselves ill over it.”
Another local, Don Knight, said: ”Our car is covered in dust all of the time. It’s just been a building site.”
Know your rights
Under English common law there is no right to a view.
This dates back to 1610 when William Aldred took his neighbour Thomas Benton to court.
The situation was explained by Lord Denning MR in 1965 in the case of Phipps vs Pears.
He said: “Suppose you have a fine view from your house. You have enjoyed the view for many years. It adds greatly to the value of your house.
“But if your neighbour chooses to despoil it, by building up and blocking it, you have no redress. There is no such right known to the law as a right to a prospect or view”.
So, if you’re looking to buy a property with a nice view, you need to be aware that it’s unlikely to be protected by law.
However, an exception was made in 2009 in the case of Davies vs Dennis and others.
Mr and Mrs Dennis took Mr Davies to court in 2009 over a property development on Heron Island in Berkshire.
All three lived on the small island in a residential estate that consists of 47 three-story houses.
Part of the appeal of the estate was that each house had a view of the Thames and Mr Davies’s new property would block Mr and Mrs Dennis’s.
Importantly, all property owners on the island were subject to restrictive and positive covenants related to these views.
One of obliged property owners: “Not to do or suffer to be done on the Plot or any part of the Plot anything of whatsoever nature which may be or become a nuisance or annoyance to the owners or occupiers for the time being of the Estate or the neighbourhood.”
Mr and Mrs Dennis accused Mr Davies of creating “nuisance or annoyance” in the form of spoiling their river view – and the judge ruled in their favour.
Property owners though can claim a “right to light” if any building has had 20 years of uninterrupted light through its windows.
This can be used against a proposed development if it will block the building’s light.
This right, however, isn’t the same as the right to a nice view.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “This is a significant investment by the Council and Welsh Government that will provide high-quality short-term housing for those in need, such as refugees from the war in Ukraine.
“The world has watched on in horror as that conflict has developed, with the international community overwhelmingly showing its support for Ukraine.
“These are non-permanent dwellings intended to accommodate those fleeing persecution and danger.
“Welsh Government has declared Wales a ‘Nation of Sanctuary’, emphasising its desire to help improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
“The Council is committed to that aim and proud that since the start of the war it has made a significant effort to help those in need.
“Large numbers have been provided short-term Welcome Centre and hotel accommodation, while Vale residents have shown immense kindness in opening up their homes to Ukrainian evacuees.
“It is important that there is also provision available until these people move into more permanent housing and this site has been identified as well suited for this purpose.
“A range of alternative locations were considered, owned by both the Council and private individuals, but this was deemed most suitable for a number of reasons.
“Its size means it can significantly address the accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, it already has facilities such as a water supply, drainage and electricity so can be developed quickly, and it is in close proximity to public services and transport.
“These units are not permanent structures so can be moved to another location in the future.
“The development on Eagleswell Road will be carefully designed, well presented and resemble a traditional housing estate.
“As it is unclear how long the war in Ukraine will last, it is not possible to say for certain how long the accommodation units will be needed.
“However, they have been built under Permitted Development Rights, meaning the Council would have to submit a detailed planning application for them to remain beyond the short-term.
“This would follow the same process as any other application and be subject to public consultation.
“The units are built to exacting design standards that surpass traditional levels for quality.
“The future long-term use of this site is also being discussed amid calls within the community for a new medical centre.
“Conversations have taken place and will continue with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board over the possibility of utilising part of this site for that purpose.”
Earlier this month, a home that sparked a bitter three-year row on a quiet street has finally been torn down – after locals dubbed it a “monster mansion“.
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Meanwhile in February, residents were left fuming after their neighbour built an entire home on his driveway without permission and got to keep it.
In January, neighbours living on an “unbelievably claustrophobic” estate slammed a developer after homes were “built 2m too high”.
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