A homeowner is at war with his neighbours after knocking down an old garage 'without permission' to build a two-bedroom cottage in his garden.

Daniel Rayan demolished a rundown workshop and garage to the rear of his property in Poole, Dorset, and started building the cottage in its place.

But his neighbours have accused him of lying to planners and 'exploiting loopholes' to maximise profits.

He bought the three-bedroom detached house in 2022 for £465,000 and successfully applied for permission to extend and enlarge it.

However, he then began work on the outbuildings, which were not included in the original application.

A neighbour reported Mr Rayan to BCP Council, forcing him to apply for planning retrospectively.

His application documents state that the new 'cottage' will provide accommodation for elderly family members.

But neighbours claim Mr Rayan lives in London and the main house is actually being used as an HMO (house of multiple occupancy).

Daniel Rayan demolished a rundown workshop and garage to the rear of his property in Poole, Dorset, and started building the cottage in its place. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction

Mr Rayan's application documents state that the new 'cottage' will provide accommodation for elderly family members. Pictured: The two-bedroom cottage under construction

He bought the three-bedroom detached house (pictured),in 2022 for £465,000 and successfully applied for permission to extend and enlarge it

Mr Rayan, who is listed as the director of Fervid Homes, which has an address in central London, says he sought formal planning advice in 2022 and was told the outbuildings could potentially be converted into a granny annexe.

He said: 'Based on this guidance, we proceeded with plans to convert the existing workshop and garage into a modern, habitable structure.

'However, during the early stages of the work, it became evident that the outbuildings were not structurally sound.

'The walls were unstable. The workshop ceiling had already collapsed, and the garage roof was damaged and leaking.

'As a result, it was necessary to demolish the original structures and replace them with new construction, built on proper foundations and fully compliant with building control regulations.'

However, his neighbour, Rich Dymott says that the plans have 'huge implications' for the area.

Mr Dymott said: 'He's hidden behind this idea that he wasn't aware he would need planning consent but he owns a consultancy company who advise on planning permission and he's certified by RICS as a chartered surveyor.

'He knows exactly what he's doing, he made a conscious decision to bypass the system and it makes a bit of a mockery of the planning process.