Mark Short and Lawrence Wolfe, a couple from Norfolk, were devastated when they learned they’d have to shut down their small holiday rental business due to what they called a “barmy” council decision.
Their issue? The driveway to their property was deemed too small.
Despite a successful year with glowing reviews and a converted carpenter’s shed turned luxury retreat, the local authorities decided their 55ft by 35ft driveway wasn’t adequate for their guests.
The Business They Built From Scratch
The couple had invested £16,000 to transform a former shed into a beautiful holiday cabin.
They had hosted 120 guests with no complaints or incidents, and the reviews were stellar.
Their accommodation, located in Swafield, Norfolk, was nestled in a quiet corner, surrounded by fields—perfect for those looking for a peaceful getaway.
But the council insisted that the driveway didn’t meet the necessary safety standards.
They argued that it was too small and posed a danger because of limited visibility when pulling out onto the road.
Mark and Lawrence, however, pointed out that none of their guests had faced any issues with the driveway.
They had plenty of space to turn around, and their setup mirrored that of their neighbors.
But despite the couple’s protestations and the lack of any accidents or complaints, the council remained steadfast in its decision.
The Council’s Request for Additional Costs
To make matters worse, the couple was told they needed to spend an additional £10,000 to address ‘nutrient neutrality works,’ a measure aimed at preventing water pollution.
Faced with the reality of more unexpected costs and the financial strain, Mark and Lawrence decided to abandon their dream of running the holiday let and move back to Milton Keynes.
The couple felt disheartened, realizing they would never recoup the £26,000 they had spent on their venture, especially with a nightly charge of £85.
Mark described the situation as “just a little bit barmy,” adding that it was “health and safety gone mad.”
Despite the council’s ruling, they had never had an issue with their guests maneuvering cars on the driveway, and even a police officer had agreed that there was enough space for cars to turn around safely.
A Dream That Won’t Happen
The couple had moved to Norfolk in 2022, looking for a slower pace of life after Mark’s health problems forced him to leave his 22-year railway career.
They had envisioned the holiday let as a way to generate some extra income, and it seemed to be working—until the council’s ruling threw everything into jeopardy.
Mark had done much of the work on the cabin himself, including running water and electricity to the site.
The cabin was advertised as a peaceful retreat, pet-friendly, and complete with local breakfast offerings.
Guests raved about their stays, with one visitor even describing the bed as “out of this world” and complimenting the homemade cakes left in the fridge.
However, when they mentioned their project to a solicitor, they discovered they needed planning permission.
They applied for this permission retrospectively, and while the parish council and local homeowners had no objections, North Norfolk District Council rejected the request.
Their concerns were centered on safety, particularly when customers backed out onto the main road.
The Controversial Decision
The council’s refusal came despite Mark and Lawrence’s insistence that they had clearly communicated in their adverts that guests shouldn’t reverse onto the road.
They were always on hand to assist with parking, and there had never been any incidents to suggest the driveway was unsafe.
Mark was particularly upset by the decision, especially since the road’s speed limit had recently been reduced from 60mph to 40mph.
He also raised concerns about the practicality of the ruling, wondering if it would mean their friends and family wouldn’t be able to visit.
The Community’s Support
Many of the couple’s guests have spoken out in support of the business.
Franck Henot, who had stayed at the cabin several times, called the council’s ruling “absolutely atrocious.”
He praised the couple’s hospitality, noting that Mark was always available to help guests park, and added that the accommodation was perfect for a relaxing stay.
The council’s ruling, however, cited concerns about the driveway’s ability to accommodate three cars and the safety of traffic movements from a “substandard access.”
They also suggested that Mark and Lawrence lacked sufficient land control to improve the visibility for safe access.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, the couple has the right to appeal the decision.
However, the prospects of continuing their dream of running the holiday let seem increasingly unlikely.
For now, they’ve made the difficult choice to return to Milton Keynes, leaving behind their dream of providing a peaceful retreat in Norfolk.
In the end, it’s a sad situation that highlights the tension between local authorities and small business owners, especially in rural areas where regulations can sometimes clash with the practical realities of running a small operation.
For Mark and Lawrence, their dream may be over, but the impact of the council’s decision will surely be felt by other similar businesses in the area.