Residents of a small Suffolk village are up in arms over the development of a lavish wedding venue that they say threatens their peaceful way of life.

Huntingfield, with a population of just 150, is facing a “David and Goliath” battle as a billionaire entrepreneur plans to build an extravagant venue just down the road.

The new venue, part of the Wilderness Reserve luxury holiday company owned by Jon Hunt, the founder of Foxtons, would charge £30,000 a night for weddings and events.

A Change in Plans Sparks Outrage

The venue, named Blyth Barn, is designed to host up to 288 guests and feature professional chefs, spa therapists, and even a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and party room.

While it has attracted celebrity visitors like Zoe Sugg and Jack Whitehall, the venue’s impact on the rural community has angered many locals.

Initially promised as a “rural retreat,” the development has spiraled into a full-scale entertainment hub, with residents worried it will disrupt their quiet village.

Concerns Over Late-Night Disturbance

One of the biggest sources of tension is the approval of a 24-hour alcohol license for Blyth Barn.

Locals are concerned about noise, traffic, and potential disturbances from guests at all hours of the day and night.

At a recent Huntingfield Parish Council meeting, over 50 objectors gathered to voice their concerns.

Villagers are particularly worried about drunken behavior, drug use, and the lack of security at the venue.

They also fear that the traffic generated by the venue, including the use of narrow village roads by guests and staff, will become a major issue.

The Village’s Charm at Risk

Lorraine Brennan, who has lived in the village for eight years, said the plans are damaging to the close-knit community.

“We were happy when the Valley Farm site was being renovated,” she explained.

“It had been in disrepair for 40 years. We thought a rural retreat would be great, but this is something else entirely.”

The disruption from construction noise over the past four years, along with concerns about future traffic and security issues, has left many villagers feeling unheard and disregarded.

A ‘Deconstructed Hotel’ or Something Worse?

In defense of the development, a representative for Wilderness Reserve described Blyth Barn as a “deconstructed hotel” meant to promote sustainability and support the rural economy.

The venue’s plans include strict noise management, including limiting music levels to 85 decibels during the day and 75 decibels in the evening.

However, many villagers, like Nina Roe, who has lived in Huntingfield her whole life, argue that the venue’s impact on the village has been underestimated.

“Nobody’s considered the impact on traffic, light pollution, or wildlife,” she said, pointing out that guests are expected to travel to the village, further adding to the disruption.

The Village Struggles Against Change

Blyth Barn’s construction is still underway, with the venue expected to be ready by May 2025.

While the development may offer a luxury option for weddings and corporate events, many in Huntingfield feel it is a threat to the charm and tranquility of their village.

The battle against the development feels like a fight between the small village and a corporate giant—and for many, the stakes have never been higher.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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