Anger over 'watchtower' Airbnb's residential status

NEIGHBOUR IN DISPUTE SAYS IT SHOULD BE CLASSED AS A BUSINESS

- By RICHARD EVANS Local Democracy Reporter

A DAD living next door to an Airbnb with a “prison-camp watchtower” in the garden has slammed Conwy Council for stating such properties are considered to be “residential”.

A row erupted last month over the holiday let's “monstrous” tower, built in the garden of the property on Tan y Bryn Road in Rhos on Sea without planning permission.

A retrospective application for that tower was turned down by Conwy Council's planning department in June 2024, but a new application has now been submitted.

Now, the row has deepened after it was found that Conwy Council doesn't consider Airbnbs to be for “business use” in planning terms.

Planning permission granted by the council in 2016 for two garden rooms stated “business use” was prohibited at the site, but the council has confirmed that “in planning terms, the dwelling and outbuildings are considered residential”.

Neighbour Nick Whitmore, who has lived at a neighbouring property with his partner and three young children since November 2021, hired a planning specialist to query the issue.