Planning Permission Row Leads to Home Gym Removal Order
In Basingstoke, a couple has been ordered to dismantle their home gym following complaints from neighbors about parking issues. Emma Woodley and Paul Willis, who invested tens of thousands of pounds into the single-storey structure on their driveway, now face the task of removing it within six months. The decision, described by Ms. Woodley as 'ludicrous', comes after a retroactive planning application was rejected by the local council.
The couple believed they were within their rights to build the gym without planning permission, citing their research into local planning rules. However, the construction prompted immediate complaints from neighbors, leading to the council's intervention. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased parking congestion and safety hazards, with one neighbor highlighting the creation of a 'blind spot' due to cars parked on the road.
Officials from Basingstoke and Deane borough council expressed worries that allowing the gym to remain would set a precedent, potentially leading to a shortage of parking spaces on the street. The couple, however, argue that they do not contribute to the parking problem, as they utilize nearby unallocated spaces for their second car. Ms. Woodley pointed out that there are typically several empty spaces available at any given time.
The dispute underscores the challenges of balancing individual property rights with community concerns in residential areas. As the couple prepares to comply with the council's order, the situation serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners considering similar projects without first securing the necessary permissions.
