Luxury Cabins Overlooking Gower Coast Face Demolition
Log cabins featuring outdoor hot tubs with views of the Gower coast have become popular romantic retreats. However, these four self-contained cabins at Landimore, overlooking the Wales Coast Path and Loughor estuary, were constructed without planning permission and are now subject to a demolition order by Swansea council.
The cabins have attracted tourists through Airbnb, with nightly rates exceeding £175 per cabin. Despite their popularity, a Welsh government-appointed planning inspector determined that the cabins significantly harmed the coastal view and degraded a previously rural and tranquil area to an unacceptable degree. The owner disputes this assessment.
The Airbnb listing promotes the cabins as ideal for watching sunsets and sunrises and enjoying starry nights. One guest review stated:
"The place was exactly as described, hot tub was amazing in a perfect location. Will definitely be back!"
However, the future of the cabins remains uncertain as Swansea council evaluates its next steps more than three months after the inspector's ruling. The enforcement notice requires the cabins to be demolished and the land restored by 31 October 2025, with a cessation of use deadline of 30 November 2024.
Council Response and Legal Considerations
Swansea council confirmed:
"Mr Phillips built the chalets without planning permission. Retrospective planning permission was refused by the council. Our position was endorsed by the Welsh planning inspector when Mr Phillips appealed.
"The council is fully aware of the lack of compliance by the resident with the enforcement notice. We are in the process of considering our next steps and this could include legal action through the courts."
The council emphasized that protecting the area's natural beauty from unlawful development is a priority.
Owner's Appeal and Planning Inspector's Findings
John Phillips, the owner, appealed the demolition notice. His planning agent argued there was significant demand for high-quality tourist accommodation, noting that the cabins’ occupancy rates exceeded average levels. The agent also contested the claim that the cabins harmed the Landimore conservation area, stating that the cabins were partially screened from the nearby coast path.
Planning inspector Richard Duggan upheld the enforcement notice, stating that the cabins’ contribution to tourism did not outweigh the significant harm caused. He also cited concerns about highway safety and the sustainability of the location.
The inspector noted that the cabins were built without ecological surveys and that excavation had damaged the roots of nearby trees.
Phillips described the inspector’s decision as:
"totally unfair"
and indicated his intention to pursue court action.
Community and Political Reactions
Gower councillor Richard Lewis expressed support for the planning process, stating:
"My view is that the planners did an excellent job. Everything was watertight."
Lewis revealed he was aware of the unauthorized development early on and noted community concerns:
"I had so many people knocking on my door saying they were not happy,"
he said, adding:
"Why should someone carry on carte blanche? Everybody else has to obey the rules. I think there will be very little sympathy from villagers across Gower."
Current Status
The Local Democracy Reporting Service has reached out to John Phillips for comment but has not received a response.
