Residents are furious over a 29ft inflatable dome that has blighted the ‘lovely’ views of their seaside town.
Caravan owners in Stonehaven, Scotland have said the ginormous structure that was erected to cover neighbouring tennis courts has ruined their holiday haven.
Bob Cowie, 79, said the view from his window is now completely blocked by the dome.
Speaking to the BBC, the Aberdeen-based pensioner said: ‘We were aware the dome was going to go up but we were told it would go up after the caravan season finished, when we weren’t here.
‘They’ve put it up while we’re still here and the workmen are walking through the site.
‘When you get something like that, it’s like if a lorry was going to come to your door, a high-sider, and park outside and block out the sunlight, you wouldn’t be happy.’
The imposing dome is worth between £250,000 and £500,000 and has been erected by Stonehaven Tennis Club for their 360 members.
It covers two acrylic courts and means players can now play regardless of the weather.
Bob Cowie, 79, said the view from his window is now completely blocked by the dome
Caravan owners in Stonehaven, Scotland have said the ginormous structure that was erected to cover neighbouring tennis courts has ruined their holiday haven
Aberdeenshire Council granted the club planning permission in 2023 on the understanding the dome wouldn’t go up until the last Friday in September and can only remain April the following year, which the club complied with.
The caravan site closes for the season on Halloween.
Peter Brown, operations director for Covair Structures which is behind the construction of the dome, said: ‘This is a world class facility, I don’t think you get away from that.
‘This dome is designed to withstand up to 120mph winds.
‘It’s fully-heated as well in the winter and I think it gives the community in Stonehaven a real chance to step forward into tennis.
‘For all the youth, imagine standing outside in February on the beach here playing tennis? It’s going to be pretty cold so to have this facility here, I think, is a fantastic opportunity.’
