Former back garden photographic studio in Binley Woods to be converted into holiday let

A former back garden photographic studio in Binley Woods could soon be welcoming wedding guests and workers living away from home after its change of use was approved by councillors.

Owner Anne-Marie Brownlee said the single-storey building at the rear of her Rugby Road home had been used by her partner prior to their sudden death less than a year ago and that its conversion to a holiday let would bring in much needed revenue.

She told members of this week’s Rugby Borough Council planning committee: “As you can imagine, things have been tough but I hope that you understand that my application is based on a need to generate additional income to secure mine and my daughter’s longer-term future.

“As it is quite a large building with existing electricity and water I thought converting it into accommodation for short stay visitors to Rugby and the surrounding area would give me some extra income. I think the noise and disturbance would be a lot less than if it was used for a hobby such as playing musical instruments or woodworking.

“I am confident that my proposal will not cause any problem to my neighbours and it is significant that none of my neighbours have objected and have spoken to me in support of my application. Also the environmental health department has not raised any objection on noise grounds.”

When asked who the accommodation would be aimed at, she said: “People are taking jobs miles away from where they live so they may need somewhere to stay when working two days a week. I have friends who already do that. That is where I see this going or when there are multiple weddings going on at Coombe Abbey and they are fully booked - somewhere nice, peaceful and quiet nearby.”

Planning officers had recommended that permission be refused because such a let would be out of keeping in the area and that it would be detrimental to neighbours and future neighbours of the property but councillors disagreed and temporary permission of three years was granted.

Cllr Belinda Garcia (Con, Revel and Binley Woods) said: “I cannot see what the problem is. The building is already there, it has had no objections. It says it is a one-bedroom holiday let for a maximum of two people so it is hardly going to be party central.”

Cllr Neil Sandison (Lib Dem, Eastlands) added: “It does seem a bit silly. I would personally go for a temporary permission for three years to see if there are any problems and a condition linking it to the owner of the property.”