A row has broken out between neighbours in a wealthy suburb over an “exceptionally large” summer house that has been built without planning permission.
The recently built garden house in Churchtown, Southport, has caused a ruckus among residents. Objections have ranged from its impact on neighbours, to its potential ramifications on the protected greenbelt.
The property in Moss Lane was built before any planning permission was approved, with the owner retrospectively applying for it after the summer home was erected.
West Lancashire Council’s planning committee have since July tried to access the home, located behind Otterbrook house, to make an assessment, however, have so far been unable to do so.
The summer house has been built at the back of Otterbrook houseGoogle Street ViewCouncillors were meant to make a visit and give a verdict this month on applicant D Whittaker’s claim. However, this has also been pushed back.
Whittaker is seeking permission to keep the single storey summer house, with an attached pergola and patio.
The 12 metre long house is located in the back garden, next to the boundary of the neighbouring house called Mousehole.
Martyn Sayer, who lives in Mousehold, said that whilst he had no problems with a structure being built for storage, the summer house was much bigger than he anticipated.
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He first wrote to the council to complain in September 2023, concerned also that Whittaker would fit out the house with high-end features.
At a development meeting for the local authority, attendees discussed the failure to gain access to the property.
Planning manager Steven Faulkner said: “Those councillors who were at the site visit will be aware that it was aborted. Given that we don't know why access was not available, we believe the application should not proceed tonight and it should be deferred.
"We will endeavour to include it in a future site visit. If a further visit was to be aborted, you will get recommendations based on photographs and a review from the neighbour's property.”
Residents wrote to West Lancashire Council office to complain
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He said that being denied access was a “very rare” occurrence.
He added: “The responsible thing is to try to make the best decision with the best information we have. We may get access next time and get everything we want. If a second visit does not prove successful, we'll make a decision following that.”
Earlier this month, a couple in Dover Kent were slammed after they built their “dream cliffside home” in Bay Hill - a sought-after location in the area.
Residents criticised the new build, fearing that it will be the “thin end of the wedge” for unsightly property in the area and that it could encourage an influx of "more oppressive" homes in the future.
Whilst nine letters of objection were written to the planning committee, the application was eventually approved by the majority of councillors.
