Developer told to rebuild chimneys after uproar from neighbours over building work

It started as a normal day on peaceful Marine Crescent, just 150 metres from the beach in the heart of Great Yarmouth's seafront conservation area.

But the quiet was soon shattered by the arrival of builders who proceeded to start major renovations on one of the properties to convert the former family home into a seven-bed holiday let.

The property photographed in August 2022 just a few months before the chimney was removed in November. (Image: Google)

The work - which caused the walls of the neighbouring property to shake - startled residents in the street who were unaware of any impending construction project at the semi-detached property because no planning application had been lodged.

Now, 18 months on, the builders have been forced to reverse some of their work by restoring a pair of 2.5-metre chimneys that were knocked down.

Meanwhile, controversy rumbles on about whether the work might be a prelude to the grand early 20th century property becoming an Airbnb, which may see it used as a "party house" for stag and hen dos in the quiet residential area.

The Grade II listed Venetian Waterways is close by to the property (Image: Newsquest)

SHAKING WALLS AND RAISED TEMPERS

The saga has led to raised tempers in the normally tranquil neighbourhood, facing the Grade II listed Venetian Waterways, as residents tried to raise concerns.

There were angry scenes with the builders when they confronted them about the noise.

It led to locals organising meetings to discuss the issue.

People worried not just about the disturbance from the ongoing construction but also that, once it was completed, the property would become a "party house" for stag and hen dos.

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They feared living next door would become "unbearable" and questioned whether adequate soundproofing was being installed.

An aerial view of Marine Crescent in Great Yarmouth, where the home is located (Image: Google)

Great Yarmouth Borough Council's (GYBC) environmental protection team became involved and forced the developer to reduce the noise and to keep construction work within recommended hours.

The developer, Rennie Construction, later submitted a retrospective application while the builders continued their work, seeking approval for the changes that included the removal of chimneys - a key characteristic of the properties in the area.

GYBC officers have now refused this bid and told Rennie Construction to rebuild the chimneys, arguing the removal had damaged the appearance of the property.

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Work continues at the home, which includes chimneys being rebuilt (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Problems have persisted for locals as the work continues.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said builders have been blocking driveways with their vehicles and keeping loud machines, including a cherry picker, running all day.

He said people are "on the brink of selling" to get away from the disruption.

Rennie Construction have declined to comment.

HOLIDAY LET TROUBLES

The issue has highlighted a wider problem of limited powers available to control homes being used as short-term holiday lets.

Labour councillor Amy Sharp, who represents the Marine Crescent area, urged the council to stop it being used as an Airbnb, writing in a letter to officers: "There are many guesthouses, Airbnb rentals and hotels further down the seafront. I don’t feel this area is the right place for this type of development. It is a family area."

Other concerns included problems with car parking due to the rise in visitors.

However, officers said the developers did not need planning permission for this as it was not a "change of use" as the company said it would be used by a "single family group" as opposed to several different individuals.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council planning officers have limited powers when it comes to properties being turned into short-term holiday lets (Image: Newsquest)

GORLESTON GRIPES

The incident follows problems in nearby Gorleston, where complaints about noise coming from an Airbnb at a converted care home in Avondale Road have led GYBC to conduct an investigation.

People living nearby have reported all-day drinking, late-night karaoke, outdoor discos, strippers and even topless hot-tub parties taking place at the property.

Police have also been called to the once-quiet seafront street on Gorleston Cliffs seven times last year due to reports of antisocial behaviour.

The former care home buildings in Avondale Road, Gorleston (Image: James Weeds)

The government is considering changing legislation, which will require people to get planning permission before changing a home into a short-term let.

It follows complaints that the problem is "hollowing out" communities and "negatively impacting social dynamics".

The issue is also said to be contributing to the housing crisis, with family homes being lost to make way for this type of holiday let.