Company Director Sparks Controversy with Neighbors Over Surprise Installation of Massive Golf Simulator in Backyard

A COMPANY director has found himself in a bitter row with his neighbours after building a huge state-of-the-art golf simulator.

Businessman Pete Bransky constructed the 23ft-wide cabin at the bottom of his garden in Christchurch, , to practice his swing.

The shed boasts a glass skylight, artificial grass and soundproof panelling on the walls.

But say the timber hut is far too big, and complained to the council claiming Mr Bransky had not been upfront about the true size of the shack.

They also said the building creates a fire hazard as it is too close to their fences.

Mr Bransky is thought to have bought a rundown bungalow a decade ago, knocking the home and garage down and replacing them with a pair of contemporary three-bedroom .

One neighbour claims that because of the plot split the property does not have permitted development rights.

Mr Bransky’s shack, which is roughly 23ft wide and 13.5ft long, takes up the entire width of the back garden.

In the plans, the company director stated the height to the eaves was 7ft 8ins and the distance to the back fence was 1.1m.

But furious neighbours claim the garden room towers above the 6.5ft fence.

One even used a laser measuring device and believes the overall height is 13ft if you include the central glass canopy, or about 10ft to the eaves.

Both next-door neighbours claim Mr Bransky’s cabin creates a fire hazard by only leaving about 20 inches between the building and the boundary fence.

Neighbour Mike Woolley said: “The submitted drawings and supporting information do not accurately reflect the structure for which permission has been sought.

“Based on measurements taken using a laser measuring device, the existing building differs significantly from the proposed development in terms of its footprint, overall height and proximity to the site boundaries.

“These are material planning considerations that differ substantially from the proposal.

“Furthermore, the existing structure is of timber construction and is located less than one metre from the site boundary.

“I have seen no evidence that the fire safety provisions required by the Building Regulations for a building in such close proximity to a boundary have been incorporated.

“While I have significant concerns regarding the existing structure, I would reluctantly support its replacement with a building that more closely reflects the scale and limitations ordinarily associated with permitted development.”

John Allan, whose smart bungalow home backs onto the golf hut, said that Mr Bransky’s claim the building sits 1.1m from boundary fence was incorrect, alleging it is actually 50cm.

An arboricultural assessment said the structure had a “relatively modest footprint” and was set back from neighbours’ boundaries by 3.5ft but a neighbour sent the council pictures measuring the distance showing the gap to the sides was only 1.6ft.

Mr Bransky, who runs a printing business, told council officials any noise from the simulator is “negligible”.

He has fitted acoustic sports panels to the walls and ceiling and soundproof carpet tiles to the floor to reduce any noise.

The businessman also put in a rubber anti-shock and noise reduction framed base to reduce sound when he strikes the balls and installed a high-end quad layered pro+ golf simulator impact screen so the balls will not be hitting any walls.

Mr Bransky said: “Any noise from the simulation is negligible. With the double glazed door closed you cannot hear anything from outside the building.”

The consultation period for public comments to the application ends on August 26 and after that planning officials will make a decision.

has approached Mr Bransky for comment.