Wellness Influencer Megan Smith Defends Her £30,000 Garden Pilates Studio Against Neighbors Complaints in Norfolk

Megan Smith, a 24-year-old wellness influencer, has found herself at the center of a neighborhood dispute over her newly built £30,000 garden Pilates studio.

After spending three years training in Dubai wellness centers and selling all her possessions—including her car—to fund her venture, Megan returned to the UK ready to bring a slice of city-style wellness to her grandparents’ home in Kings Lynn, Norfolk.

The studio, named Luco Wellness after her dogs Lulu and Coco, officially opened on November 3, quickly welcoming dozens of clients in its first week.

Despite this success, some locals have raised objections, claiming noise, traffic, and parking issues are disrupting the quiet village environment.

From Dubai to Norfolk: Building a Dream Studio

Megan invested heavily in her Pilates studio, designing it to host up to six classes a day on weekdays and weekend mornings.

Sessions range from £23 for a single class to £40 for private appointments, and the studio also caters to hen parties and corporate events.

An on-site cafe, Luco Nourish, offers organic drinks and snacks aimed at supporting both mind and body.

She financed the project alongside her grandparents, Bernard and Georgina, and has run the business for several months—even before receiving official planning permission.

“I had put everything into this, months and months of planning, and I thought, why would I let small-minded people stop me from trying to do this?” Megan explained.

Planning Permission Sparks Controversy

Although the studio is operational, her retrospective planning application, submitted in September, is still under review.

The proposal has attracted numerous complaints from neighbors concerned about noise, traffic, and safety, as well as the impact on their mental health. Some loca

ls argue that existing Pilates classes in the village hall make the new studio unnecessary.

Others have also expressed alarm at the social media presence of Luco Wellness, which boasts over 23,000 followers.

“They just don’t understand social media,” she said.

“That’s how I get all my clients. That’s how I’ve built my business.”

Social Media Stalkers and Local Skepticism

Megan also revealed that some locals have gone so far as to create fake social media accounts to monitor her activity.

“It’s bizarre. They’re setting up accounts so they can stalk me,” she said.

Despite this, she remains committed to her business and her vision of bringing high-quality wellness offerings to a small town that previously had limited options.

Her experience in Dubai taught her the power of social media for business, where she produced fitness content and promotional videos for various wellness venues.

She now applies those skills to grow Luco Wellness, combining technical precision in Pilates with a luxury, client-focused approach.

Neighbors Weigh In: Supporters and Critics

Opinions among villagers remain divided. Some, like Vince Williamson, see the studio as a positive addition, providing health benefits and new opportunities for locals.

Others, including Betty Engledow and anonymous residents, worry about parking, noise, and disruptions to the peaceful atmosphere.

Some also felt the studio’s promotional content overstated its offerings, suggesting amenities like a sauna and cold bath that are only for private residential use.

Safety Measures and Business Adjustments

Megan and her team have implemented measures to minimize disruption, including a one-way driveway system for five vehicles, and ensuring any music played in the studio is kept very low.

Classes are capped at five participants to maintain a calm environment, and they have voluntarily adjusted Sunday opening hours to avoid conflicts with nearby church events.

West Norfolk Council planning officers have noted that the proposal is modest and well-managed, generating minimal traffic and noise while providing social and health benefits to the community.

A decision on Megan’s planning application is expected at the council’s January 12 meeting.

Bringing City-Style Wellness to the Countryside

Despite objections, Megan remains confident in her venture.

“There’s nothing like this around here. I wanted to bring something you’d see in a big city to a small town,” she said.

Her studio combines Pilates, wellness-focused refreshments, and personalized classes, aiming to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for the local community.

For locals curious to try it out, classes and Luco-branded products, from bath sheets to grip socks, are available through the studio’s website.

Whether or not everyone in the neighborhood embraces the new venture, Megan’s dedication to her business—and her ability to navigate criticism—shows her determination to bring wellness to Kings Lynn.

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