A homeowner is at war with his neighbours after knocking down an old garage ‘without permission’ to build a two-bedroom cottage in his garden.
Daniel Rayan demolished a rundown workshop and garage to the rear of his property in Poole, Dorset, and started building the cottage in its place.
But his neighbours have accused him of lying to planners and ‘exploiting loopholes’ to maximise profits.
He bought the three-bedroom detached house in 2022 for £465,000 successfully applied for permission to extend and enlarge it.
However, he then began work on the outbuildings, which were not included in the original application.
A neighbour reported Mr Rayan to BCP Council, forcing him to apply for planning retrospectively.
His application documents state that the new ‘cottage’ will provide accommodation for elderly family members.
But neighbours claim Mr Rayan lives in London and the main house is actually being used as an HMO (house of multiple occupancy).
Daniel Rayan demolished a rundown workshop and garage to the rear of his property in Poole, Dorset, and started building the cottage in its place. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction
Mr Rayan’s application documents state that the new ‘cottage’ will provide accommodation for elderly family members. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction
He bought the three-bedroom detached house (pictured),in 2022 for £465,000 successfully applied for permission to extend and enlarge it
Mr Rayan, who is listed as the director of Fervid Homes, which has an address in central London, says he sought formal planning advice in 2022 and was told the outbuildings could potentially be converted into a granny annexe.
He said: ‘Based on this guidance, we proceeded with plans to convert the existing workshop and garage into a modern, habitable structure.
‘However, during the early stages of the work, it became evident that the outbuildings were not structurally sound.
‘The walls were unstable. The workshop ceiling had already collapsed, and the garage roof was damaged and leaking.
‘As a result, it was necessary to demolish the original structures and replace them with new construction, built on proper foundations and fully compliant with building control regulations.’
However, his neighbour, Rich Dymott says that the plans have ‘huge implications’ for the area.
Mr Dymott said: ‘He’s hidden behind this idea that he wasn’t aware he would need planning consent but he owns a consultancy company who advise on planning permission and he’s certified by RICS as a chartered surveyor.
‘He knows exactly what he’s doing, he made a conscious decision to bypass the system and it makes a bit of a mockery of the planning process.
‘Saying it’s a family home and the cottage is for elderly relatives is a bare-faced lie. He has no regard for the neighbourhood he’s developing in.
‘It has huge implications for our road. We have eight HMOs on the road but only two are registered.’
Another neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: ‘When he bought it he said they were a family from London and wanted to make it their second home or move down.
‘But it was just typical developer chat. He knows exactly what he’s doing.’
Mr Rayan, who is listed as the director of Fervid Homes, which has an address in central London, says he sought formal planning advice in 2022 and was told the outbuildings could potentially be converted into a granny annexe. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction
A neighbour reported Mr Rayan to BCP Council, forcing him to apply for planning retrospectively. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction
Several neighbours have written letters of objection to the council.
Alistair Maher, who lives next door, said: ‘It is clear from the evidence that the applicant has deliberately sought to bypass planning controls.
‘The creation of a separate dwelling-scale building on the plot, with its own entrance, indicates that from the start the structure was not intended to be ancillary but a self-contained dwelling.
‘This has been done in the knowledge that one could apply retrospectively for planning permission. Such a calculated tactic undermines trust in the planning system, and is contrary to the spirit of responsible development.
‘The newly constructed building is very large in comparison with the former shed/garage it replaced.
‘As a nearby resident, the visual impact is significant and unwelcome – it dominates the outlook from our home and garden, and diminishes the amenity of the area.
Mr Dymott said in his letter that applications at other properties on the road that went through the correct process were refused and upheld at appeal.
He added: ‘This development has set a worrying precedent of build first, apply later. It makes a mockery of our robust planning processes.’
Michelle Baker said the number of HMOs in the area is ‘getting ridiculous’, and Melissa Gunputh said the area has ‘no space left to give’.
Natalie Purt said: ‘Retrospective applications should not be used to bypass the planning process.
‘Approving this development would reward construction undertaken without permission and set an undesirable precedent, encouraging others to build first and seek approval later.’
Catherine Elliott added: ‘I am sick and tired of developers trying to squeeze properties on small plots on our street, all for a quick buck. The residents of Uppleby Road have had enough and won’t stand for it anymore.’
A decision is expected to be made by the council shortly.
