Portsmouth hairdresser wins right to keep salon open in garden shed

Portsmouth councillors unanimously approved retrospective planning permission for the use of an outbuilding at 46 Merlin Drive in Hilsea as a business.

Mum-of-two, Karen Clarke, wanted to continue to use the site for wedding hair appointments three days a week.

But 11 objections to the salon were raised by residents living nearby.

During the virtual planning meeting a deputation from neighbours Rosemary Bassett and Brian Dolley was read out. They said: 'We have had issues with clients pavement parking, car parking blocking and knocking our door.

'After two summers of not being able to sit and read in our own garden - the outhouse for this salon is no more than an oversized shed with women and girls trying to shout over the hair-dryer noise with windows open from 7am to 10.30pm and later.

'We believe this business is not suitable for the location, there are many many empty shops to hire by the hour without inconveniencing Merlin Drive or Hobby Close residents.'

In response Mrs Clarke said: 'The issues listed in paragraph two - the clients pavement parking and car parking blocking - are exaggerated.

‘The latter happened on one occasion and was quickly rectified. The parking provision was a one-off friend who was paying a social visit.

'The objectors say they have had two summers of being unable to read or sit in any peace in their garden. This is again a complete exaggeration. There is no possibility of me being able to work from 7.30am until 10.30pm and later.

'I have worked as a hairdresser for the past 25 years. I pride myself on being totally professional and committed to building a small but successful business in wedding hairdressing to contribute financially to raising our two young children.'

Considering the application Councillor Matt Atkins said: 'The applicant has been reasonable there. It's a reasonably-sized building.'

Cllr Lee Hunt agreed. 'It's entrepreneurial,' he said.

'It's a very small business. The impact has got to be quite minimal.'

Councillors agreed under planning rules there were no grounds to refuse the application.

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