A LANDLORD is refusing to turn bedsits back into a family home and remove a bike and bin store from a front garden.

Austin Whitehouse, of London Road, Hadleigh, has appealed against Southend Council’s order for him to turn 67 Salisbury Avenue, Southend, back from six bedsits into a single- dwelling house and remove the store, which planners claim is spoiling the street scene.

In his appeal application form, Mr Whitehouse claims the building has been six flats since 2001, has had separate electricity meters since 2006, have paid council tax individually since 2010 and has had separate addresses with Royal Mail and the council since 2011.

He claims the building has been flats for too long for it to be changed back and the council’s order for him to remove the kitchen units, sinks and cookers from all rooms except one and the shower units and toilets from all rooms except one would be too much work.

The landlord says the store for rubbish and bikes in the front garden, formed from the home’s garden wall, follows council policy.

He claims bikes would block the building’s narrow hallway if stored inside.

A Government-appointed planning inspector will decide the appeal at a public inquiry.