Furious residents in a desirable family estate have criticised a decision to let a single mother continue operating a massage parlour from a log cabin in her garden.

Preeyapjon Wansanit attracted a series of complaints from her neighbours when she opened her therapy room in the Carters Quay development in Poole, Dorset. 

The cabin is almost 9ft wide and more than 6ft tall, with photos showing that it takes up half of the back garden of the rented property. 

Neighbours were first alerted to the business after Miss Wansanit dropped leaflets through their doors advertising her new venture. 

They complained to BCP Council, who asked the masseuse to retrospectively apply for planning permission. 

Her application received 18 objections from residents, who complained of security issues over clients 'coming and going' day and night. 

One neighbour even suggested, without providing evidence, that the massage parlour was being used for improper purposes, according to council submissions. 

Locals were reportedly so concerned they sent a resident 'undercover' to check the legitimacy of the business.

Miss Wansanit stipulates on her website that she does not offer 'sexual or inappropriate services' and aims to provide a 'calm and peaceful space'. 

'Disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour will result in immediate refusal of service and permanent blacklisting,' the notice reads. 

Critics also cited the development's strict rules about businesses being run from homes, with residents forbidden from even parking branded cars on the estate.

But in a huge development this week, BCP Council ruled that Miss Wansanit would be allowed to continue operating her massage parlour.

It said the business did not amount to a 'material change of use' of the site, with planning officer Camila Bastidas finding the cabin does not have a significant impact on neighbouring properties. 

She said the size of the business was limited, with Miss Wansanit the only employee and the spa open part-time.

The council will impose conditions that opening hours are restricted to 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Customers will be limited to one at a time, with a 30-minute gap between appointments.

The planning officer said granting planning permission does not override the covenants in place for Carters Quay.

But residents have reacted angrily to the decision.

'I'm appalled that the council has said it is okay for this business to continue and I'm appalled that it's been done retrospectively,' one anonymous neighbour said. 

'I have no idea where this leaves things with the covenant.

'This is a residential estate, people working from home is one thing, a business that brings in clients from outside is something different entirely.'

Neighbours previously accused Miss Wansanit of breaking the terms of the residential contract. 

Cesar Camacho said: 'Running any kind of business - dog grooming shed or other - on the estate is forbidden. The owner is contractually obliged to respect this, but does not. This is not an honest and law abiding approach to setting up a business.'

Neighbour Gill Sheldrake said: 'It is overlooked by so many dwellings.

'It is attracting customers at various times of day and night. Oils and candles used are a fire hazard to all neighbouring properties.

'Access to the room is via a back lane and introduces security worries for neighbours as customers walk past their rear gardens day and night.'

The Poole Quays Forum also objected on behalf of residents, stating they understood their concerns in terms of security, parking and possible disturbance. 

Speaking after the council's decision, Miss Wansanit said she was glad she could keep her garden massage parlour. 

She said: 'I'm pleased the application has been approved and I appreciate the council's consideration.

'I'm grateful for the positive decision and look forward to moving ahead.'

Speaking about the 30-minute gap between clients, she added: 'I do not anticipate any significant problems.

'I understand the purpose of the condition and will work within those requirements to ensure everything operates smoothly.

'The local residents should have no concerns.'

Lotus Thai Massage Therapy has a five-star rating from 70 reviews on Google. 

'This cozy little hut offers a peaceful escape where you can take an hour or two to truly unwind and recharge your body and soul,' one customer wrote.