A COUNCILLOR has been granted permission for his son to live in a shed in his garden - despite neighbour complaints about ‘loud romps’.

Brian Ayling, a member of Southend council’s development control committee, built three sheds in his garden without planning permission.

The outbuildings were set to be used for overnight stays by relatives, but his son has been living in one for a year after losing his job and falling on hard times.

The outbuildings caused uproar among neighbours - with one complaining to the council about having to listen to Mr Ayling’s son and his girlfriend “participate in sexual activities”.

The complaints led to the Independent St Luke’s ward councillor being ordered to submit a planning application - which was rejected.

Mr Ayling made another application which was finally granted permission subject to conditions by the council on Wednesday.

Mr Ayling claims the initial refusal was a “politically motivated attack”, but welcomes the application’s approval.

He said: “I do not feel that the labour members of the group were actually abiding by the rules that elected members have to commit to.

“But obviously I am very happy and now I can get on with my life.”

Conditions of the planning permission state that the shed can’t accommodate cooking facilities. 368234Mr Ayling insisted that his son uses kitchen and bathroom facilities inside his house but he will stay in the shed until he’s ready to leave.

Defending his actions, he added: “He was unemployed so he didn’t have anywhere to live so I let him live in the cabin.

“I defy anyone who says I can’t put my son in accommodation on land that I own. I think any parent would do the same. He has the cabin until he needs one.”

The sex shed saga sparked major conflict among councillors after Mr Ayling’s first planning application was rejected last month.

Soon after the refusal, it emerged that Martin Berry - who claimed he was a neighbour to councillor Ayling - is standing against him in the election next month.

Mr Berry, who lives 20 minutes away from Brian Alying, previously said: “I was contacted by residents who live nearby.”