‘Not fit for this area’: Madeley homeowner told no to Airbnb plans after operating without council approval

A northern suburbs homeowner who opened their property up as an Airbnb without council approval has been denied permission to operate.

The “Home Away From Home” three-bedroom listing which was said to be NDIS and pet friendly began operation in Madeley before applying for a development application on March 14.

City of Wanneroo councillors at Tuesday’s meeting voted 10-2 to refuse the application due to conflict between the use of the Bethwyn Circuit home and surrounding residential dwellings.

The city had received “numerous” complaints from neighbours about the unauthorised use and vehicles parking on the verge.

Owner Patience Machaka was later told by the city to apply for a change of use from a single house to a holiday house.

The activity was said to then cease, although attempts to book the minimum three-night accommodation of $1204 were available to access on the Airbnb website last week.

Cr Natalie Herridge, who praised neighbours for raising their concerns, said while she recognised the need for holiday homes across the city, this was not one of them.

“It’s clearly outlined within the rules, regulations and position statement that the Bethywn Circuit home sits as a home and not an Airbnb,” she said.

“I recognise the need for tourism accommodation within our city, however in reading the report one can clearly see it is not suitable for this site.

“Tourism accommodation needs to be within a suitable precinct where adequate facilities are provided — this site is constrained and does not allow for the amenity of the immediate locals to not be interfered with.”

The decision on Tuesday comes despite the applicant’s intended push to reduce their occupancy from six to four people and limiting the number of cars parked on the property to two.