Mark Hobbs, owner of the Bay Guest House in Eastern Esplanade, transformed the four-bedroom B&B into a family home four years ago. However, Southend Council recently rejected his retrospective planning application and ordered him to revert the property back to a functioning B&B.
Mr. Hobbs claims to have invested £1 million in restoring the Edwardian townhouse to its original state, including the renovation of fireplaces, room configurations, and redecoration. Despite these efforts, the B&B has not hosted a single guest since 2020, leading Mr. Hobbs to argue that it is no longer a viable business.
The council’s primary concern centers around the loss of visitor accommodation on the seafront if the property continues to be used as a home. In response, Mr. Hobbs and his wife, Tina, are infuriated by the decision and fear financial instability if they are forced to run what they believe is an unsustainable B&B. Determined to protect their investment, they have decided to appeal against the council’s ruling.
According to Mr. Hobbs, the house was originally a regular residential property before being converted into a guest house. However, the lack of council records to support this claim complicates matters.
Undeterred, Mr. Hobbs plans to submit an appeal to continue using the guest house as a family home. He argues that the financial viability of the B&B was proven to the council, as it was marketed through platforms like Expedia and Airbnb without success.
The impending appeal weighs heavily on the Hobbs family, who see it as a battle for their home. If the appeal fails, they may be forced to sell the property, resulting in financial loss and an empty house.
The future of the Bay Guest House remains uncertain as both sides hold their ground, each emphasizing their own perspective on whether it should be a home or a business.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why was Mark Hobbs ordered to revert his property back to a functioning B&B?
– Southend Council rejected his retrospective planning application and deemed the property should be used for visitor accommodation rather than as a family home.
2. What renovations did Mark Hobbs make to the property?
– Mark Hobbs claims to have invested £1 million in restoring the Edwardian townhouse, including renovating fireplaces, room configurations, and redecoration.
3. Why does Mark Hobbs argue that the B&B is no longer a viable business?
– The B&B has not hosted a guest since 2020, and Mark Hobbs believes it is an unsustainable business.
4. What is the council’s main concern regarding the property’s use as a home?
– The council is concerned about the loss of visitor accommodation on the seafront if the property continues to be used as a family home.
5. What is Mark Hobbs planning to do in response to the council’s decision?
– Mark Hobbs plans to submit an appeal to continue using the property as a family home.
6. How did Mark Hobbs try to prove the financial viability of the B&B to the council?
– The B&B was marketed through platforms like Expedia and Airbnb, but it did not attract guests.
7. What may happen if the appeal fails?
– If the appeal fails, Mark Hobbs may be forced to sell the property, resulting in financial loss and an empty house.
Key Terms/Jargon:
– Retrospective planning application: An application made after work has already been done to gain planning permission for that work.
– Edwardian townhouse: A type of house typically built during the reign of King Edward VII of England (1901-1910), characterized by certain architectural features and styles popular during that period.
– Financial viability: The ability of a business to generate enough income to cover its expenses and remain profitable.
Related Links:
– Expedia: A popular online travel agency where accommodations can be booked.
– Airbnb: A platform where individuals can rent out their homes or rooms to guests.
