An Airbnb owner in Conwy has been instructed by the local authority to demolish what’s been described as a “prison-camp watchtower” erected in the property’s garden. The controversial construction, dubbed “monstrous” by one neighbour, appeared without planning permission in January 2024 at the holiday residence on Tan y Bryn Road, Rhos on Sea, causing an outcry among residents who said it gives a clear view into neighbouring properties and gardens. Neighbours claimed the large structure severely impacts their everyday life. Despite attempts by JAM Domestic Properties Ltd to legalise what they called a “garden room” through retrospective planning applications, they have faced rejection from the local planning authorities. Conwy Council has now confirmed that they have issued an order for the tower’s removal. A spokesperson for the council said: “An enforcement notice has been served which requires the removal of the structure.” The enforcement notice came into effect on June 17 but the developers have a window of 10 weeks from that date to lodge an appeal. Resident Nick Whitmore, 35, said he and his family are relieved over the enforcement notice decision. Since moving into his home nearby in 2021 Mr Whitmore said the presence of the tower has diminished the quality of life in what was supposed to be their dream home. “We are looking forward to the structure coming down. It dominates our property and our neighbours,” he said. “They (the neighbours) can’t even sit at their breakfast table without it being overlooked and it is the same for lots of other houses in the locality. “So we are thrilled they’ve been served with an enforcement notice and are looking forward to it being pulled down. It will mean we no longer have such a dominating and intrusive structure, which is so overbearing, looking over our garden or our neighbours’ gardens.” A previous planning statement submitted by Cadnant Planning to back the application noted: “Views from the raised platform into neighbouring properties were recognized as being available from the initial planning consent. “The proposed development is not considered to lead to an acceptable increase to this and is not considered to have a detrimental impact on privacy or residential amenity to neighbouring properties, and therefore would be acceptable on this basis.” Cadnant Planning chose not to provide a statement on behalf of JAM Domestic Properties regarding the enforcement notice.