A MAN who converted a triple garage into bedsit without planning permission has avoided prosecution after winning an appeal against Fenland District Council. Adrian Manning had already converted the garage at 403 Lynn Road, Wisbech, when he was told by Fe

A MAN who converted a triple garage into bedsit without planning permission has avoided prosecution after winning an appeal against Fenland District Council.

Adrian Manning had already converted the garage at 403 Lynn Road, Wisbech, when he was told by Fenland planners the annexe was "tantamount to the creation of an additional dwelling outside a development area boundary".

He was warned last summer by development manager Nigel Brown that since the work had already begun "you are reminded of the district council's powers to secure the cessation of unauthorised uses".

However, Mr Manning has now won an appeal to the Government planning inspectorate and has been told the annexe can stay.

"The alterations to the garage are largely cosmetic and I do not consider that the building has an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area," the inspector ruled.

"The proposal could result in the introduction of additional items of domestic paraphernalia but these are unlikely to be seen given the surrounding hedges and would have little impact compared to the plant and machinery stored on the site.