Council squad to tackle beds in sheds housing

Council squad to tackle beds in sheds housing

6:00am Friday 14th March 2014 in News By Andrew Ffrench, Reporter covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425

MORE than 50 suspected illegal dwellings are being investigated by Oxford City Council.

Council leaders are now investing about 300,000 in tackling the growing problem of sheds and outbuildings being built in gardens without planning permission.

The city council is one of 23 local authorities to have been awarded cash to tackle what is sometimes referred to as beds in sheds.

It has set up an unlawful developments team to investigate cases.

Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: There are over 50 properties at various stages of inspection or enforcement.

One, costing 25,000, belongs to the Turna family in Dene Road, Headington.

Last week, councillors at the East area committee agreed they would take direct action after the family failed to get planning permission for the building in the back garden of the property, which they say is used as a gym and study room.

The council said it believed the building was being lived in, but the family denied this.

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Council squad to tackle beds in sheds housing