A bitter neighbourhood row has broken out after a couple with permission for a two-bedroom family home instead built a five-bed Airbnb “party house” for groups of up to 10 people to stay in. Furious residents in a quiet Henleaze street claim their lives have been made a misery by the developers’ “devious” tactics which has created a “revolving door” of unwanted guests who disturb their peace by shouting, drinking, fighting and playing loud music late into the night.
But the owners claim their neighbours in Hobhouse Close have a “grudge” against them and have even blamed locals for smearing “what looked like melted chocolate” on the downstairs windows. The couple, Hassan and Maryam Khaleghi, insist it was never their intention for the house to be an Airbnb but that they are locked into a contract with a letting agent, and that the use will stop when that expires – a promise that residents do not believe.
The saga came to light at Bristol City Council development control committee after the pair applied for retrospective consent to retain the property because it was built differently to the permission granted. Council officers told the meeting that it was “regrettable” that the approved plans were not followed but that the changes would involve only minor external alterations which were deemed acceptable and that members should give the go-ahead.
