A man is involved in a planning row over a massive pirate ship he built in his garden.
Steve Coombs’ huge boat features a captain’s hideout, moving ship’s wheel, netting, cannon and other realistic features.
At Halloween, it has became a neighbourhood favourite in the village of Horndean, Hampshire.
But it has now attracted dissent, with a complaint made to East Hampshire District Council. Planning officers are involved and Coombs has been told to submit a retrospective planning application.
He accused the complainant of being a “killjoy”, saying he doesn’t understand why anyone would have a problem with his handiwork – though the council has said the ship needs planning permission due to its size.
Coombs said: “I don’t know a single person who has said, ‘Ooh, I don’t like that’ and I don’t know who has objected.
“The initial letter was addressed to the homeowner, saying it’s under investigation by the local planning authority. I just couldn’t believe it.
“I think once in your life you have to build a pirate ship. We do a big Halloween and Christmas thing every year and it’s just continually grown.
The council has told the couple to apply for retrospective planning permission. (SWNS)
“Last year we did a little display but the kids wanted to get on it and steer it, so I thought I could do something they could interact with. I built it throughout the year and reckon I’ve spent a couple of grand on it.”
Neighbour Karen Parish has written in support of the “wonderful couple”, saying: “It’s hard to understand why anyone would want to dampen something that brings so much joy, especially to children.
“One parent told me visiting the decorated garden during lockdown was a lifeline for their family, offering a moment of light in a difficult time.
“Their garden is more than just a Halloween display, it’s a symbol of what makes our neighbourhood special.”
East Hampshire District Council said that while it appreciates the ship is a popular attraction, there had been complaints about the number of visitors.
A spokesperson added: “If someone contacts the council to raise concerns about a possible breach of planning rules, they rightly expect us to look into it properly.
“In this case the law makes it is clear that a structure of this size and in this location, even an unusual one like this, requires planning permission.”
The projects in your garden that need planning permission
According to the Planning Portal website, garden outbuildings such as sheds, playhouses, greenhouses and garages, as well as other structures such as swimming pools, ponds, sauna cabins, kennels and enclosures, “are considered to be permitted development, not needing planning permission”.
However, it adds this freedom is subject to limitations, such as a maximum eaves height of 2.5m and overall height of 4m; the structure not taking up more than half of the garden space; and the structure not having balconies or raised platforms.
Meanwhile, permitted development rights only apply to houses – not flats and maisonettes.
As the first port of call, people should check with their local authority whether they need planning permission for their project.
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