Luke and Debra Smith converted an outbuilding on the grounds of their five-bedroom home in Saundersfoot into an Airbnb 12 years ago and have been inviting visitors ever since without planning permission. After Pembrokeshire National Park realised what had been happening, the couple proved they had been running the holiday let for so long without anyone raising any issue that they are now allowed to keep it.
Twelve Years of Operation Without Permission
In 2013, the Smiths bought Hendre at St Brides Hill in Saundersfoot for £445,000. Within months, they decided to convert the outbuilding on the grounds, which had been there for decades, into a tiny retreat for visitors. Tourists began flocking to the popular hut in the garden, which the Smiths named Caban bach and which boasts a quaint interior including a cosy bedroom, open plan lounge and kitchen, and bathroom.
The couple never had permission to run the business, but they left hundreds of positive reviews online for the property - there are over 700 reviews on the Airbnb website alone. When Pembrokeshire National Park, which makes planning decisions in the area, realised what had been happening, it was too late.
Certificate of Lawful Development Granted
In response to being told they had never applied for planning permission to convert the outbuilding and operate it as a holiday let, the Smiths applied for a certificate of lawful development - a document which proves that a building has continued to be used for long enough to escape planning enforcement action.
A supporting statement said the outbuilding had been used continuously as a holiday let since 2014. The application included a 2010 Zoopla listing for the lodge and an Airbnb advert that said: "Five minutes' walk to Saundersfoot village with its bustling working harbour, shops and restaurants. Just 200m to beautiful beach and direct access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Private garden, off road parking."
It adds: "The accommodation itself is suitable all year round with double-glazing and central heating. Decked out with finds from local antique shops, Caban bach has a laid-back feel and we are sure you will find it very comfortable."
Evidence and Guest Reviews
An officer report recommending the certificate be granted said the applicants supported the claim holiday use started back in 2014 with "a range of documentary evidence, including historic property marketing information, historical aerial imagery, an Airbnb listing, guest reviews, annual Airbnb earnings statements and photographic evidence of the existing building".
National park planners granted the certificate after concluding that the evidence showed, on the balance of probabilities, the building had been used as a short-term holiday let for at least 10 years. The dog-friendly holiday let has a 4.88 out of five Airbnb rating, placing it among the top five per cent of listings after more than 700 reviews.
One reviewer said: "It's such a peaceful, private spot and always beautifully clean. The garden is stunning with sunny patches and shady corners, and the location couldn't be better, a quick walk down to Saundersfoot's shops and beach."
Another guest called the cabin clean, spacious, warm and peaceful, while another praised its cleanliness, facilities and perfect location: "The cabin was lovely. Such a brilliant place. Really clean and it has everything that a couple with a dog could need. The location was perfect."
