A PLANNING application submitted by a landlord to change the status of a domestic dwelling in a peaceful neighbourhood in Tidworth to an Airbnb property is facing strong protests from neighbours.

The property, a one-bedroom flat in Kilsby Flats on Bulford Road in Shipton Bellinger, is owned by Edward Franklin.

However, since the planning application was published on May 20, it has received several objections from the neighbours.

They have cited lack of parking facilities, and the peaceful nature of the neighbourhood as the reasons for objections.

Commenting on the application, Mr David Bray wrote: “Since lettings commenced late last year, we have experienced not inconsiderable inconvenience from visitors.

“We are being affected by both noise and the impact of strangers on the shared private access pathway.

“There is very limited on street parking and there have been several occasions when the private drives of neighbours have been obstructed by visitors.”

Another neighbour Ms Fiona Milligan wrote: “The applicant doesn’t live locally and contrary to the assertion in his application, the property has been advertised on the Airbnb website, calling the property Stonehenge Lodge and being located in Wiltshire.

“It has been regularly let since December 2020.”

Ms. Madeleine Osborne wrote: “The property is only a small 1-bedroom bungalow (not flat), with a bathroom, small lounge with kitchen area and a tiny courtyard garden. We feel it is only suitable for single or double occupancy only which is what it has been the last eight and a half years we have been living here.

“The thought of four adults and pets sharing this small bungalow when on holiday, not caring for the neighbours who are in close proximity, fills us with concern.”