Newport couple's home still classed as a guest house
The confusion came to light when a potential buyer's solicitor asked for evidence proving the house had returned to residential use.
The Shaws have now applied for a Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use, stating the house has been used as a home for more than 10 years.
The couple bought their house in May 2002.
They were not aware that a 1996 planning permission had been issued for the "use of dwelling as a guest house".
The application has been made alongside evidence such as a land registry extract, utility bills, mortgage statements, and council tax bills.
The majority of these documents all date back to before November 2021.
The Shaws have also provided statutory declarations confirming the house has been their family home for years.
One key piece of evidence is the absence of any tenancy agreements, supporting their claim that the property has not been rented out as a guest house.
The couple faced initial difficulties in identifying the correct application route.
However, with the help of Newport City Council's senior planning officer Jacob Cooke and solicitor Emma Selfridge, they were able to submit the correct documents.
The application, which was submitted on June 20, remains under consideration until July 16, with no objections recorded so far.
The couple had to pay a fee of £460 for the application.
As of now, no decision letter has been issued.
The Shaws are awaiting the decision from Newport City Council.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar situations in the future, where a property's previous classification creates complications for its current owners.
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