LOCALS living next to a 10ft “tower” have slammed their neighbours for building it as they claim they’ve lost their privacy.
The raised platform attached to a holiday let in Lyme Regis, Dorset, has sparked a row between residents.
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Branding the seating area an “eyesore”, those living near to the cottage have said it was built without council permission and should be torn down.
The local council have since been forced to look into the structure following complaints.
All decking over 30cm high needs planning consent – but this example stands almost three metres tall.
Several people have complained and said it “dominates the skyline”.
One person said: “We wish to oppose the planning application for the recently built structure on the grounds of privacy.
“The tower-like structure of huge proportions dominates the skyline, even more so when people are on it.
“It is clearly visible to us, and we are three houses away.
“Presumably it was built to provide views along the coast but because of its height it also provides views down into the windows and back gardens of the adjacent houses including ours.
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“We consider this an invasion of our privacy.”
Another neighbour added: “Put up without prior planning permission and with no consideration for those who see it on a daily basis, we consider it an eyesore in what is considered to be a conservation area.
“If this structure is allowed to remain in its present form it sets a precedent for others to follow.”
Locals believe the “tower-like” decking was built to attract tourists who can now see the grave of fossil collector Mary Anning.
Mike Garrity, head of planning at Dorset Council, said the deck was “not in harmony with the historical setting” as well as being “overly large.”
He added: “It is considered to cause less than substantial harm without public benefit to outweigh the harm to the Church of St Michael and its associated churchyard, walls and railings, the grave of Mary Anning and to Lyme Regis Conservation Area.
“Having regard to the location and elevation of the platform…and the extent of views provided by the platform into properties to the north and south, the retention of the raised decking and platform would enable an unacceptable degree of noise, activity and overlooking and be overbearing to properties neighbouring it.”
The platform was built last September and the owners applied for retrospective planning permission in November.
It’s understood they let the property out to holidaymakers.
‘INVASION OF OUR PRIVACY’
David Mitchell, of HB Architectural Design, told the council the decking would “provide an attractive relaxation area and added amenity for the occupiers of the property”.
“There are similar raised seating areas at three or more other properties to north east of the property also located behind the churchyard wall,” he added.
“The proposal has no impact on current access provision to the property or intensity of use of the residence.
“Our client notified her neighbours prior to construction of the raised platform and neither raised any objections to the proposal.
“We feel this proposal will have no significant impact on the street scene or the listed building.
“There is already a precedent set for raised platforms to the rear of similar properties in the area and we hope the planning authority will support the application.”
Despite this, Dorset Council refused permission and the owners now face having to rip it down.
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