The Causleys are appealing the decision, costing them a further £500.
Although their summerhouse is in the front garden, and so subject to different planning laws, Causley says the decision is “truly ridiculous” given Labour’s overhaul of planning applications. “[It’s a big deal] for something that’s pretty much a temporary structure. You could take it down at any time, in a couple of hours,” he says.
“The summerhouse is so lovely as well,” he adds, and the family will be gutted to tear it down.
For others, the Government’s about-turn is already too late.
Mohammed Mahroof installed a mini kitchen and bathroom into his garage in 2014.
“It was top-notch and done to a very high standard,” he says. “I did the work properly, so it cost a lot.”
But when a neighbour complained to Slough borough council some five years later, he had no choice but to rip out the renovations which cost him thousands of pounds. “I complied with the enforcement notice straight away; I didn’t want a headache,” Mahroof explains.
He estimates that he has lost about £65,000 fitting and then removing the high-spec renovations, and feels he’s been “picked on” by the council. Mahroof says the incoming rule changes will feel like a kick in the teeth.
