Homeowner loses battle to keep 'overbearing' timber staircase in garden

A homeowner has lost an appeal to keep a large timber staircase and raised platform in his back garden.

Ben Davies said the staircase was a practical solution for the steeply sloping site, but his council described the development as "overbearing and unneighbourly".

The structure included a platform built 2.7m (8.8ft) above a private access lane between neighbouring homes in Abersychan, Torfaen.

Council planners refused permission in November 2025, saying the structure would negatively affect neighbours.

An independent planning inspector agreed, ruling it would "have a harmful effect on the character and appearance" of the property and nearby residents' living conditions.

Davies said the new structure was designed to replace an old stone staircase that ran through his steep, terraced garden to the street above.

The staircase and raised platform, which was partly enclosed by a 2m (6.5ft) timber fence, were refused planning permission by council officers.

Davies appealed the decision to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, arguing it was a reasonable solution for the "steeply sloping site "and maintained they would not harm the area or neighbouring homes.

He also said any concerns could be addressed through planning conditions.

Following the appeal, independent inspector Nicola Gulley visited the partially-built structure at his home on Manor Road and agreed with the council's assessment.

In her report, Gulley concluded the development conflicted with planning policies because it did not fit the local area and would have an unacceptable impact on nearby residents.