Homeowner loses battle to keep ‘overbearing’ timber staircase in garden
A homeowner lost his request to have a large wooden staircase and raised platform in his backyard.
Ben Davies said the staircase was a practical solution for the steeply sloping site but his council described the development as “offensive and un-neighbourly”.
The structure involved a platform built 2.7 m (8.8 ft) above the private access lane between neighboring houses in Abersychan, Torfaen.
Council planners refused permission in November 2025, saying the development would negatively impact neighbours.
An independent planning inspector agreed, ruling it would “have a detrimental effect on the character and appearance” of the property and the living conditions of nearby residents.
Davies’ wooden staircase and raised platform described as ‘non-adjacent’ by council planners [PEDW]
Davies said the new structure was designed to replace the old stone staircase that led from the steep terraced garden to the street above.
Planning permission for the staircase and elevated platform, which is partially surrounded by a 2-metre (6.5 ft) wooden fence, was refused by council officials.
Davies appealed the decision to Planning and Environment Orders Wales, arguing it was a reasonable solution for the “steeply sloping site” and that they would not harm the area or neighboring houses.
He also said any concerns could be addressed through planning conditions.
Following the appeal, independent inspector Nicola Gulley visited the partially built structure at her home in Manor Road and agreed with the council’s assessment.
In his report, Gulley concluded that this development contravened planning policies because it did not fit into the local area and would have an unacceptable impact on nearby residents.
