Yoga teacher who erected yurt in garden told she needs planning permission
Residents voice concerns over the height, permanence, and safety of a large garden yurt used for yoga classes
A yoga teacher's decision to install a large yurt in her garden has sparked a row in her village.
Sacha Latham, who lives on on Arundel Road in Brighton and Hove, erected the 3.83-metre-high yurt, hoping to use it for yoga classes and retreats. However, it instead became a focal point of controversy due to its oversized presence and potential safety risks.
Ms Latham has now been told planning permission is required for the structure.
Why was the yurt installed?
The 3.83-metre-tall yurt was installed on May 25, 2024 at the bottom of the garden of Ms Latham's house.
The yurt sits on wooden decking, supported by concrete posts, and has been described in a planning application as "temporary".
Ms Latham says she hopes to use the yurt to host yoga classes, healing circles and mini retreats.
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'This surely constitutes a fire hazard'
Locals have voiced strong concerns over the construction of a large yurt, questioning both its height and whether it is truly a temporary structure and the potential hazards associated with the yurt.
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One resident stated: "By common courtesy, this should have been applied for before the erection of this oversized yurt. It is in a very built-up area."
The structure, which reaches 3.83 metres in height, exceeds the legal limit for outbuildings and has left nearby residents feeling overshadowed.
"The yurt presents a dominating presence, especially for properties near the boundary," said one local. The structure is described as "completely out of keeping with the architecture of buildings in Kemptown," and although it was claimed to be temporary, locals argue that its wooden decking, concrete supports, and fabric covering suggest otherwise.
Further safety concerns have been raised due to the addition of a firepit inside the fabric structure. "This surely constitutes a fire hazard, especially so close to neighbouring properties," one resident added.
"The materials used aren't suitable for the coastal weather, as it has already been damaged by high winds," another resident pointed out, mentioning the risk of flying debris and further damage.
Finally, questions surrounding the yurt's use have been raised. One local asked, "Is this to be a business? If so, is it permitted to conduct a business from a tent in the back garden without prior permission?"
Do you need planning permission for a yurt?
Simon Rix, planning consultant at Planix.UK, commented: "In general, using a yurt or any structure for business purposes, such as running yoga classes, likely requires planning permission, whether the structure is permanent or temporary."
He explained: "This is because a change of use from residential to business or commercial use typically needs planning consent."
Rix acknowledged: "It’s not surprising that Sacha Latham’s plans to host yoga retreats and classes in a large yurt in her garden have raised concerns among her neighbours. Neighbours may be concerned about potential noise, increased traffic, and changes to the character of the area."
Rix pointed out that "the need for retrospective planning permission indicates that the yurt was erected without prior approval, which can further frustrate local residents".
He concluded: "While some may appreciate having wellness activities nearby, the council will have to weigh Latham's plans against the concerns of the community."
The council is currently reviewing the retrospective application.
Simon Rix is a seasoned planning consultant with a background spanning both local government and private consultancy. Starting his career in the 1990s, Rix worked as a council officer and later served as an elected councillor, gaining insight into the planning system from multiple perspectives. He is now the founder of Planix.UK Planning Consultants Ltd, a consultancy that offers expertise on planning permission to self-builders, home renovators and those managing small to medium-sized construction projects.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.