Neighbours Protest 'Alien Structure' Airbnb in Gwynedd Village

Neighbours protest 'alien structure' Airbnb in Gwynedd

A luxury holiday let in Penisarwaun, Gwynedd, has sparked anger among locals, with some describing it as an "alien structure" that has turned village life into a "misery." Plas Coch Barn, a former outbuilding converted into a high-end holiday home in tourism, features a massive 18ft (5.5m) window and was built without the necessary planning permission.

The property, which is listed on websites like Booking.com and Airbnb, has become a point of contention for nearby residents. Complaints to the local council, Cyngor Gwynedd, have highlighted issues such as noisy guests, privacy concerns due to the large windows, excessive traffic, bright lights, loud music, and disturbances from a hot tub.

Retired photographer Mick Sharp, a resident of the area, voiced the frustrations of many locals. "It looks like a huge ocean liner lit up in the night. It’s an alien structure, and it bears no resemblance to the original barn," he said. "While not all visitors are disruptive, many seem to enjoy loud music and hot tubs late into the night. It's been a total nightmare for us."

The council has served an enforcement notice on the property owner, Karl Jones, demanding that the barn be reverted back to its original purpose as an ancillary building. The notice, which takes effect on April 2 unless appealed, requires the removal of the large windows and a return to the structure's previous state.

Council officials confirmed that they will continue to monitor the situation and enforce the notice if necessary. If the owner does not appeal, the property must cease operating as a short-term holiday let and return to its original use.