A pair has been instructed to erect a barrier to obstruct their neighbors’ sight following the construction of a high-end shed in their backyard without obtaining proper planning consent.

The shed, featuring a glass door from floor to ceiling and a wooden pergola covering a vast 22-foot deck area, was built in September 2023 on the grounds of a former greenhouse in the couple’s rear garden in Monmouth, Wales. It is furnished with a sofa and workspaces.

However, complaints were raised by neighbors about the height of the structure, prompting intervention by the local council. Subsequently, after a planning meeting, the couple has been directed to construct a ‘privacy screen’ to shield the shed from the view of their neighbors.

Applicant Llinos Ndlovu stated in her application that the narrow room, measuring only 2.74 meters (8.9 feet) deep, was created for her and her spouse to work remotely.

She also assured that the shed, positioned approximately 30 meters (98 feet) from their residence at the elevated edge of their inclined garden, is strictly designated for office use and will never be utilized for residential purposes. The structure, as reported by Wales Online, is described as having only basic amenities such as electricity and internet access.

Ms. Ndlovu mentioned that they became aware of the need for planning permission when contacted by the planning department of Monmouthshire County Council earlier in the summer, following an inquiry from a local resident.

In response, the couple submitted a retrospective planning application for the shed and deck, which received objections from six sources while receiving support from two neighbors in a single household.

Local councilor Steve Garratt requested that the application be reviewed by the council’s delegated panel to assess the impact on the neighborhood.

Opposing neighbors criticized the shed as being excessively tall and domineering. They argued that its height allows for overlooking into their garden and raised concerns about potential future commercial use.

In a report proposing approval with conditions, Monmouthshire council planning officer Helen Etherington observed that the sloping terrain causes the shed to appear taller when viewed from the residence and creates a prominent visual presence when seen from the neighboring garden due to the low boundary wall.

She stipulated that a two-meter-high willow “privacy screen” must be installed along the boundary with the adjacent property and maintained as a planning requirement.

Addressing worries about potential commercial activities, Ms. Etherington’s report clarified that the approval solely permits activities supplementary to residential living.