Backyard Hair Salon Ordered to Shut Down After Neighbors Complain of 'Nightmare' Nights

A 'clandestine' hair salon constructed in the backyard of a residence has been instructed to shut down by local authorities.

The proprietors of clandestine barbershops erected a sizable shed with a view of the swimming pool way back in 2011 without informing the local authorities.

Questions were raised about whether the building remained upright due to a planning loophole, which exempts structures built over 10 years ago from specific planning rules.

Enraged residents voiced their displeasure over the congestion triggered by the establishment and the ensuing mayhem with regards to parking on their street in Southend, Essex.

However, the council officials decided to take out the business equipment from the premises and permit its use exclusively for living quarters.

However, the proprietor is contesting the rejection and has lodged an appeal for retrospective planning permission to run the establishment with shortened operating hours.

Upon approval, the salon would operate for four days a week rather than five, accommodate five customers per day instead of seven, and employ one part-time worker as opposed to two.

Early this year, neighbors raised objections to the plans, stating that ever since the business commenced operations, traffic conditions had become a "nightmare."

A neighbor informed MailOnline, "The primary problem revolves around parking, and this issue has persisted for some time now." Christmas To park on our driveway, we need to enter their driveway, then reverse around to get into position.

'It must be quite a nightmare for their close neighbors who share a driveway with them and will have individuals using the side pathway daily.'

The structure has undergone renovation and now functions as a salon where two staff members attend to as many as seven customers daily, working from Tuesday through Saturday during hours spanning 9 am to 6 pm.

Customers enter the hair salon via the driveway, which they share with their adjacent neighbors, as well as through a side entrance.

The spacious, standalone house features four bedrooms and is situated in a peaceful neighborhood where homes typically go for around £650,000.

D. Holder and M. Fallan sought approval post facto to utilize the outbuilding as a hair salon.

The Southend-on-Sea City Council was presented with nine objections expressing worries about issues such as parking difficulties, increased traffic, noise pollution, disturbances, odor problems, and reduced privacy.

A neighboring resident, who chose to remain anonymous, stated: "I'm just learning about this approved planning permission, and I do not support it."

Council member Paul Collins of Eastwood Park Ward requested that the application be reviewed by the development control committee.

He stated: "This is quite a controversial matter. The neighbors are displeased with it. They have concerns regarding parking congestion on the street and the operating times."

‘I’ve had representations from all sides on this. I’m hoping the committee will treat residents fairly. I think the need for this in a back garden needs to be very much proved by the applicant because it is in a back garden surrounded by residential properties.’

Upon approval, the salon would have to adhere to several conditions, such as operating from 9 AM to 6 PM on Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Other stipulations encompass a maximum of two staff members present simultaneously, no more than three clients either receiving treatment or awaiting service at any given moment, and a limit of seven individual bookings scheduled per day.

The report suggested that the control committee approve the planning application with certain conditions attached.

The report stated: "The suggested project would exert an appropriate influence on the essence and look of the location, as well as on the streetscape and nearby surroundings."

'The proposal would similarly cause a tolerable effect on the enjoyment of properties owned by adjacent residents, provided certain conditions are met.'

'The suggested project would not result in considerable negative effects on traffic, parking, or highways.'

The proprietor of the hair salon stated to MailOnline back then: "The case is still pending, and we are adhering to all protocols. We prefer not to make any additional comments."