Rear Admiral's 'devious' plan to turn garden shed into country home I believe this development goes against that. Sir Robert Woodard built this 40ft shed a few years ago and did not secure any planning permission for it. Now he is trying to make it lawful in order to live in it and transform it into a second home - but there are questions about whether he has lived there or not. This also has wider implications for rural communities. If he applies for planning permission now and gets it, other people might think they can do the same. It is circumnavigating the planning laws. Rear Admiral Sir Woodard, at the helm of the Queen's ship from 1990 to 1995, is seeking a certificate for lawful development of the wooden building - nicknamed The Keep. That would allow him and his family to live there legally. The father-of-three, who lives with Rosamund and their two sons and one daughter in Port Navas, Cornwall, constructed the woodland shed in 2004 after acquiring the land. Sir Robert, who served as equerry to the Queen and as Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, claims he and his wife have been staying regularly at The Keep. They say they have entertained friends and family in the building. Now they have applied to Cornwall Council for authentication to reside at The Keep - after reports of unauthorised development at the site. The Rear Admiral submitted an application, supported by 14 letters, saying he wanted to live at the shed "seasonally." Sir Robert said: "As we were living away from the area we used the wooden hut and a touring caravan as living accommodation. Having used this fairly rudimentary accommodation for a number of years, we decided we would like to provide more comfortable accommodation whilst we were maintaining the woodland, but also to provide accommodation when visiting the area. Since our return to living in the immediate area we have continued to live at The Keep for periods of several days at a time. But some neighbours - concerned that the shed could be developed into a larger house - have questioned whether The Keep has ever been lived in. Lucie Nottingham, said: "The fact a small shed has morphed over seven years into a large wooden structure, furnished with electricity and now laying claim to total legality sets a precedent for development in the area contrary to this area of outstanding natural beauty." Others also blasted the "devious" former sailor and his plans. Neighbour Malcolm Horton, writing to planners, said: "It is our belief, based on what appears to be their past devious behaviour, that they intend to develop the wooden shed still further, possibly into a substantial house. May we very respectfully request that you consider the wider and future implication if granting your approval of the said application. Would it not open the flood gates to everybody with a wooden shed to give it a name, claim that it was a 'dwelling' because they may have spent the occasional night in it? Cornwall Council said it could not comment on the matter, but confirmed a decision on the shed would be made by a planning officer early next week.