'Prison watchtower' planning saga goes on with third application

A NEIGHBOUR has voiced his anger after a third application for what objectors have called a "monstrous prison watchtower", built in the garden of an Airbnb, was lodged with the council.

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail]

Neighbours of 89 Tan y Bryn Road, Rhos on Sea, say a 'prison-camp watchtower' built without planning consent is overlooking their properties and making life a misery.

JAM Domestic Properties Ltd was granted permission for a garden structure at its Airbnb on Tan y Bryn Road, Rhos on Sea, in 2016.

But in February 2024, neighbours complained a larger outbuilding was being constructed.

Following a Conwy County Council investigation by a planning enforcement officer, the owners agreed to cease work and to submit a new retrospective planning application to regularise the work.

That was refused in June 2024, with a further application being voluntarily withdrawn in March 2025.

The council then issued an enforcement notice in May 2025, but the applicant appealed the planning decision with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, which is yet to be resolved.

Whilst the appeal is being processed, a third planning application has been submitted and registered with the council's planning department this week, potentially drawing out the saga further.