AIRBNB OWNER LOSES APPEAL OVER SAUNA AND DECKING

Owen Chandler Harrod has lost a planning appeal against a refusal to allow a sauna, decking and trellis fencing at his Airbnb property in Ormesby St Margaret, Norfolk. The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal following a site visit last month. Great Yarmouth Borough Council had previously refused retrospective planning permission for the structures after a whistleblower reported that building work had been carried out without consent.

Neighbours of the bungalow have made repeated complaints about activity at the property. Some neighbours alleged that "debauchery" took place at the location, and claimed used condoms were thrown into their gardens. The decking, which supported a hot tub, was positioned at a raised height that neighbours said afforded visibility of outdoor areas from neighbouring properties. Harrod marketed the property as a couple's getaway destination and the bungalow maintains a 4.81 rating on Airbnb.

The inspectorate noted during its site visit that no one was available to grant an inspector access to the property. The decision follows Harrod's earlier refusal of retrospective planning permission from the council. The appeal marks the conclusion of the legal process regarding the structures, which remain subject to the council's original refusal.