Imagine pouring your heart, soul, and savings into creating a cozy little holiday retreat—only to have it shut down over something as frustrating as driveway size.
That’s exactly what happened in the quiet village of Swafield, Norfolk.
The owners, Mark and Lawrence had transformed an old carpenter’s shed in their garden into a warm, welcoming, luxury cabin.
It had all the charm: a comfy double bed, homemade breakfast with local produce, and rave reviews from guests.
But despite glowing feedback and zero safety incidents, the local council said their driveway wasn’t up to scratch—and shut the whole thing down.
A Five-Star Stay That Guests Loved
Mark and Lawrence’s holiday let wasn’t just a side hustle—it was a heartfelt project.
After moving from Milton Keynes in 2022 for a slower pace of life and due to Mark’s health concerns, they set up their retreat at Lilac Cottage.
They invested £16,000 and even ran water and electricity out to the garden lodge.
In just one year, 120 guests stayed there.
Visitors described the place as a “beautiful hidden gem,” praised the “out-of-this-world” bed, and drooled over the homemade cakes and rum and raisin fudge left in the fridge.
One even pointed out how helpful Mark was, always available to help cars safely navigate out of the driveway.
The Council’s Unexpected Decision
Everything was running smoothly—until the couple casually mentioned their business to a solicitor, who informed them they needed planning permission.
They applied retroactively and faced no objections from locals or the parish council.
But North Norfolk District Council saw things differently.
According to the council, the driveway (which measures 55ft by 35ft) didn’t offer enough space for guests to turn around and exit onto the B-road safely.
They also complained about poor visibility and said the mirror across the road wasn’t good enough to help.
To make matters worse, they wanted the couple to spend an additional £10,000 on environmental work to prevent water pollution—something called “nutrient neutrality.”
“Health and Safety Gone Mad,” Says Owner
Mark called the whole thing “barmy” and “health and safety gone mad.”
He pointed out that no guest had ever had trouble turning around, and the couple clearly stated in all their listings that guests shouldn’t reverse out onto the road.
“We’ve got two cars parked right outside the living room, and there’s more than enough turning space,” he said.
“If you can’t turn a car in that space, you shouldn’t be driving.”
The irony?
Just as their request was being denied over road safety, the council had reduced the speed limit outside their home from 60mph to 40mph.
Locals and Guests Rally Behind the Couple
Supporters of the couple are just as baffled. Franck Henot, a repeat guest from Derbyshire, called the decision “absolutely atrocious.”
A retired council worker himself, he said they’d never had parking issues and praised Mark’s hospitality and cooking skills.
The couple also noted how their business benefited the community.
They sourced breakfast items from the local butcher and used a local ironing service for linens.
“They want people to visit the county,” said Mark, “but then they block small businesses like ours.”
The End of a Chapter—and a Move Back Home
Disheartened and feeling stonewalled, Mark and Lawrence have decided to throw in the towel.
They’re packing up and moving back to Milton Keynes, convinced that they’ll never recover the £26,000 they invested into the project.
North Norfolk District Council defended its ruling, citing parking concerns and inadequate visibility as safety hazards.
They also clarified that the couple is welcome to appeal the decision if they wish.
What’s Next?
Mark and Lawrence’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone dreaming of a countryside business. While passion and positive reviews count for a lot, planning rules and technicalities can sometimes overshadow real-life experience.
Whether they choose to appeal or close this chapter for good, their story has sparked a conversation about how councils support—or hinder—local entrepreneurship.