Owner could be forced to revert changes as garage turned into tiny Leigh home

A FORMER garage has been turned into a tiny home in a Leigh back garden without planning permission.

Southend Council is considering forcing the owner to revert the changes after raising concern it is “substandard” in size.

The garage, at the rear of 12 Pavilion Drive, Leigh, is deemed to have “poor lighting” and councillors on the development control committee will be asked to sanction enforcement action.

An inspection found a young family were living in the former garage.

An outbuilding at the property was recently refused permission to be used as a premises by the council.

Labour councillor Laurie Burton said: “It’s not right that developments happen without planning permission. I’m pleased officers are taking enforcement action at this address.

“My message to residents is to always get appropriate permissions, otherwise it could cost you a lot more to reverse it later.”

Access to the tiny home is from Recreation Avenue via the parking area of Recreation Court, a neighbouring block of flats, and a narrow-enclosed path to the rear and side of the building.

Planning permission to turn the garage, formerly used as a car showroom office space, into a home was previously turned down by the council.

Planning officers said it was refused permission because of its “substandard internal size, commercially dominated access, contrived layout reliant on high level and obscure glazed windows for habitable rooms”.

Officers added: “Poor outlook and light conditions and amenity space overlooked by adjacent premises result in a poor quality of accommodation for future occupiers that is harmful to their amenity. This is unacceptable and contrary to National Planning Policy.

“Following a visit by council staff, it was discovered the outbuilding was being used as a two-bedroom property by a young family.

“Officers said at 48.7 sq metres in area it was below the minimum legal requirement floor space of 61 sq metres. One bedroom was said to have only one high-level window which did not have an ‘acceptable outlook’.”