Couple forced to close tiny £85-a-night holiday home in their garden due to 'barmy' council ruling

An upset pair has slammed a “crazy” local authority ruling that made them shut down their small vacation rental enterprise as their driveway was deemed insufficiently sized.

Mark Short and husband Lawrence Wolfe had five-star reviews for the accommodation, a former carpenter’s shed they converted into a luxury holiday retreat for £16,000.

Throughout a year, they hosted 120 visitors without any issues until the local authorities revealed that the 55-foot by 35-foot driveway did not meet requirements. They were also informed about limited sightlines when exiting onto the street.

The pair residing in a serene, picturesque area of Swafield, Norfolk, noted that all their guests remained unharmed and voiced no complaints. They also mentioned having sufficient room for car movement within the driveway, adding that their setup mirrors that of their neighbors'.

But North Norfolk District Council refused to back down – and even said they needed to spend another £10,000 on a ‘nutrient neutrality works’ to prevent water pollution.

They have now decided to ditch their dream and return to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, which they moved from in 2022, after deciding they’ll never make £26,000 back charging £85 a night.

'It’s just a tiny bit crazy,' remarked Mr Short, who also labeled the decision as 'health and safety taken to extremes.'

'We've accommodated 120 guests from all over the country at this place. Among them was a Metropolitan Police officer who remarked, "Obviously, vehicles can make a U-turn in the driveway."'

'We have two vehicles, but they're positioned just outside the living room, providing ample maneuvering area. If you can't manage to turn a car in that space, perhaps driving isn't for you.'

Three years back, the pair relocated to this region because Mr. Short, aged 59, had to quit his 22-year career in railways due to health problems, and they were looking for somewhere with a more relaxed lifestyle.

They bought their home, Lilac Cottage, as the perfect spot to provide a holiday rental room that would provide Mr Short with an income.

He did most of the construction on the lodge himself; however, significant expenses were incurred for bringing water and power supplies to the small cabin prior to welcoming their first paying visitors in March 2023.

The online advertisements for the cabin claimed it was 'nestled in a quiet part of our garden, with fields all around it, just outside the charming village of Swafield'.

The pet-friendly lodging featured a double bed, ensuite bathroom with bathrobes, a patio equipped with outdoor furnishings, along with 'a breakfast prepared using locally sourced ingredients served at the main residence'.

Rave reviews included one that said ‘the cabin was warm and the bed is out of this world’, with the visitor adding their appreciation for the ‘homemade cakes left in the fridge to the rum and raisin fudge’.

Others commented on the ‘excellent hosts’, ‘great location’ and described the holiday let as a ‘beautiful hidden gem’.

Only after the duo shared details of their small business endeavor with their lawyer did they learn that obtaining planning permission was necessary.

They implemented it retroactively and encountered no opposition from the parish council or neighboring property owners.

However, the district council rejected the application last month, expressing worries about residents reversing onto the B-road adjacent to their properties, particularly due to potential hazards.

A mirror placed on the opposite side of the road failed to provide adequate assistance, it added.

Mr Short stated: "Although the speed limit on the road was set at 60mph, when we received the rejection letter, it had been reduced to 40mph."

He mentioned that both he and Mr Wolfe, aged 44 who works as a project manager, explicitly stated in their advertisements that guests should not back up into the street. They also assured that they would be readily available to assist with exiting the driveway whenever needed.

'It’s simply absurd, given these houses have been standing much longer than automobiles. They’re suggesting our loved ones aren't allowed to come for a visit?' he mentioned additionally.

'They wish for visitors to come to the county, and we utilize local enterprises such as the butcher shop for our morning meals and the laundry woman for linens.'

'However, we've made up our minds that if we can't proceed with this, we'll relocate back to Milton Keynes.'

Franck Henot, aged 64 from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, who has visited the lodge multiple times with his spouse Sarah, described the decision as 'completely terrible.'

The former municipal employee mentioned: "Parking has never been a problem here, and whenever you need to move your vehicle, Mark is usually out there directing you if there's any traffic."

'The choice made is completely terrible. Both Mark and Lawrence have been really wonderful, with Mark being an excellent chef. It’s truly disappointing.'

North Norfolk District Council stated in their decision: "This suggested development, due to the increased concentration of on-site parking, would not leave enough room for three vehicles to park and turn around properly so they can exit onto the road forwards."

'The extra traffic generated would come from inadequate access, over which the applicant doesn’t seem to have enough land control to improve visibility to a safe standard for entering the highway.'

A North Norfolk District Council spokeswoman said: 'The applicants have a right of appeal against the decision and the information as to how to appeal was included on the Decision Notice issued.'