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.
'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.
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.
