Airbnb host's 'prison watchtower' could be replaced with 'party cabin'

An Airbnb host who created a garden room dubbed a "prison camp watchtower" by angry neighbours is set to replace it with what they fear will be a new "party cabin".

The original controversial structure in Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, was built without planning permission and overlooked neighbours' gardens before it was removed following an enforcement order by the council.

A plan for a smaller structure in the same place is to be discussed by councillors, although some neighbours have objected.

One resident said it could enable visitors "to repeatedly party, week after week, on the balcony without any curfew or controls".

Owner Jim Oates, of JAM Domestic Properties Ltd, has been approached for comment.

The previous "prison watchtower" structure on Tan y Bryn Road was demolished after several retrospective planning applications were refused.

At the time, neighbours objecting to the structure said it overlooked their gardens.

Now plans for a smaller "cube-shaped" structure - measuring 4.2m (14ft) by 3.6m (12ft) with a height of 2.5m (8ft) - are set to be decided on by the authority's planning committee on Wednesday.

The development would be built on the remaining concrete platform and would have a flat roof.

One neighbour said: "So the 'party cabin' design would not only be visually intrusive but also out of keeping with this peaceful residential area, as it risks persistent disturbance to families and older residents nearby, myself included."

Another said: "We have no wish to be reduced to being similar to animals in a zoo.

"There is every likelihood of noise, light, and disturbance impacting on surrounding properties. This is unacceptable."

Another resident said the proposed cabin would have a glass balcony and "the idea of being looked down on and watched by repeated different groups of visitors is not comfortable".

"This design potentially enables Airbnb visitors to repeatedly party, week after week, on the balcony without any curfew or controls, and so risks persistent disturbance to numerous residents," they added.

Planning officers have advised councillors that they are "minded to grant" the proposals.

Planning consent for a cabin was originally secured in 2016 but in February 2024 neighbours complained a larger outbuilding was being constructed than that given permission.

A planning statement issued by Cadnant Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said: "This proposal relates to a householder application for the erection of a garden room of an alternative design to that previously approved by the local authority."

They said the proposed structure was of a smaller scale than the partially-constructed version and "would serve as an ancillary element" to the house, located in the rear garden.

A Conwy council spokesperson said: "The planning application seeks consent for a new smaller building, similar in scale to that previously granted consent by Conwy County Borough Council."