A HOLIDAY cottage owner who spent £20,000 expanding the property’s kitchen into the garage is battling planning laws which might force him to reverse the work.

Property renovator David Burgess, from Ovingdean, used half his garage to expand the kitchen as he refurbished the home in the Courtyard, Wharf Road, Eastbourne.

But he claims, despite seeking legal advice before doing the work, he was told he had broken a condition on the original development, which stops the garages being altered.

He applied for retrospective planning permission for the conversion after complaints that he had broken the rules, but withdrew the plans after they were recommended for refusal.

Mr Burgess has now enlisted the help of a planning expert and is re-submitting the application to Eastbourne Borough Council this month.

Mr Burgess, who bought the property in 2012 and has been renting it out as a holiday let for six months, said: “The situation is unbelievable. I sought advice from my lawyer and architect before carrying out the work and did everything above board.

“With the help of a planning expert I am resubmitting the application and will be explaining why I am not breaching regulations and do not need planning permission.”

A neighbour emailed the council and said: “Although I do not fully object to the application I am concerned that there are conditions that should be upheld.”

Stephen Williams, of Marine Parade, Brighton, wrote to the council voicing his “surprise” at the situation after staying there for short breaks.

He said the garage was “ideal” for a bike and would fit a smart car comfortably.

He said: “I hope the owner is not forced to re-instate the garage, as the accommodation now with a much bigger-sized lounge and improved kitchen works very well. I don’t see why there is a problem.”

A council spokeswoman confirmed a planning condition to prevent the alteration of garages in the courtyard was in place but said: “We will consider the application fully once he has resubmitted it.”