‘Absolutely ridiculous!’ Council row erupts as couple defy order to tear down ‘beautiful’ £20,000 garden shed

A couple have vowed to defy council orders to demolish their £20,000 garden shed, which was built three years ago without planning permission.

Catherine Curran and Martin Keyes from Greenrock, Inverclyde, were left stunned after council planners refused retrospective planning consent for their two-metre high outbuilding.

The couple has declared they will fight the decision and “under no circumstances” will they remove the shed, which planning officers claim has a detrimental impact on a neighbouring property.

“I will go to court and do what we can to fight the decision,” said Keyes, 52.

The couple discovered the planning refusal through their local newspaper, the Greenock Telegraph, rather than being informed directly by the council.

The outbuilding, which has been used for social gatherings and personal time, was professionally built with extra insulation to minimise noise.

“We were told we didn’t need planning permission,” Keyes explained.

Curran, 50, who works at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, received what she described as “a very intimidating letter” in August requesting planning permission.

MORE LIKE THIS:

• Council row boils over as pub landlord faces closure following noise complaint from ONE neighbour
• Locals furious at council wasting £90k on ‘eyesore’ roundabout that looks like ‘cat litter tray’
• Neighbour row erupts as council refuses to let woman chop down tree in her garden despite allergies

“The inspector seemed happy enough and didn’t have a problem. Next thing it was refused,” she said.

“We are absolutely raging, I feel so upset about the decision taken by the council,” said Curran.

“This is one of the most stressful things that has ever happened, it is unbelievable the pressure it puts on you.”

The couple has invested significantly in their garden, making modifications including window replacements to address neighbours’ privacy concerns.

“Our garden is beautiful and we have spent so much money to turn it into something,” Curran added. “I have stayed here for 22 years, it is a great place to stay.”

“We have been treated like a piece of rubbish,” she said regarding the council’s communication method.

Environment and regeneration director Stuart Jamieson said the structure did not meet “safe and pleasant” criteria and had a detrimental impact due to its size and proximity to neighbouring gardens.

The council confirmed a complaint had been logged about the planning application before February 2022.

A site inspection was conducted, and alternative options were presented to the couple, including complete removal or relocation of the structure.

However, the applicants chose to submit their application for the outbuilding in its current location, despite being offered these alternatives.

According to the council director’s report, the decision not to request relocation during the application assessment was due to the couple’s choice to keep the structure in its current position.

The couple had made efforts to address initial concerns, including modifications to the windows to prevent overlooking neighbouring gardens.

Despite being in place for three years, the council maintained its position that the outbuilding’s current location and size were problematic.

The £20,000 structure continues to serve as a social space for the couple, who remain adamant about preserving their garden investment.