Contentious couple compelled to shut down miniature garden rental property priced at £85 per night, owing to alleged illogical decision made by local council.
Troubled Holiday Let Owners Slam 'Absolutely Bonkers' Council Decision
Mark Short and his partner Lawrence Wolfe are seething after a local council's nonsensical ruling forced them to shutter their delightful holiday let business due to a teeny-tiny driveway. Their dream retreat, a dazzling conversion of a carpenter's shed, cost them a cool £16,000.
Over a year, they'd welcomed a horde of 120 guests without a single hitch - until the council flipped the script, claiming their 55ft by 35ft driveway was too minuscule to accommodate guests turning their vehicles and driving off forwards. They also argued there was subpar visibility exiting the driveway[1][2].
Huddled in a picturesque corner of the quiet Swafield village in Norfolk, the couple lives in an idyllic haven. Unfazed by the council's judgment, they pointed out that no guests had collided or raised a problem, while there was ample space in the driveway to navigate cars with ease - neighbors backed the same setup[1].
But the stubborn North Norfolk District Council stood firm, even suggesting they fork out another £10,000 for "nutrient neutrality works" to avert water pollution[1]. Despairing of ever recovering £26,000 from charging £85 per night, they reluctantly decided to leave this tranquil spot and retreat to Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, where they relocated in 2022[1].
"It's absolutely absurd," seethed Mr. Short, echoing sentiments of "health and safety gone mad"[1]. He also shared an exchange with a Metropolitan Police officer who assured him that turning a car in their driveway was more than feasible.
The two-person cabin boasted an enviable list of amenities - a double bed, shower room, dressing gowns, a patio with garden furniture, authentic local produce breakfasts, and even homespun fudge[1][2]. Reviews glowed with praise, including compliments for the "warm" residence, "out-of-this-world" bed, and appreciation for the thoughtful touches like homemade cakes[1][2].
Online adspromoted the cabin as a "beautiful hidden gem tucked away in a corner of our garden, surrounded by fields just outside the lovely village of Swafield"[1]. Their pet-friendly cottage was nestled close to Mundesley Beach, making it a cozy haven for weary travelers.
While the district council's concerns revolved around the perceived danger of guests leaving the driveway and poor visibility, Mr. Short maintains that their guests clearly observed the injunctions not to reverse onto the road and were always there to aid their departure[1].
Digging deeper, it emerges that the couple learned about the necessity of planning permission only after casually sharing tidbits about their entrepreneurial venture with their solicitor[3]. The application, submitted without objection from the parish council or local homeowners, was denied last month[3].
As curious neighbors began to question the ruling, voices of dissent grew louder. Franck Henot, a retired council worker from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, called the decision "absolutely atrocious"[1]. He and his wife Sarah had spent numerous relaxing weekends at the lodge, admiring Mark's culinary skills.
North Norfolk District Council retorted, insisting that the driveway was too compact for three cars to park and maneuver, potentially causing additional traffic hazards, and that the applicants lacked sufficient property control to enhance visibility[3]. They extended the option to appeal the decision[3].
[1] [Link 1]
[2] [Link 2]
[3] [Link 3]
- The council's decision to close the trouble-free holiday let business due to a small driveway has left Mark Short and his partner Lawrence Wolfe, small-business entrepreneurs, feeling outraged and disappointed.
- The local council's claim that the 55ft by 35ft driveway wasn't suitable for guest vehicular movement is being questioned, as no accidents or problems were reported during the business's operation.
- Despite the council's ruling, the couple's cozy cottage, equipped with top-notch amenities and showcasing positive reviews, continues to be marketed as an idyllic retreat online.
- The refusal of planning permission and the subsequent closure of their successful business may have significant financial implications for Mark Short and Lawrence Wolfe, dealing a blow to their venture in entrepreneurship and small-business management.
