An Airbnb owner in Ormesby St Margaret, Norfolk, has lost an appeal to retain a sauna and decking at his property following persistent complaints from neighbors about guest behavior. The property, nicknamed by locals as 'Orgy St Margaret,' had been marketed as a getaway for couples.
Residents claimed that guests staying at the Airbnb engaged in outdoor sex sessions in the garden and hot tub, which is situated on raised decking visible from neighboring properties. Complaints also included noise disturbances and items such as used condoms being thrown into adjacent gardens.
Chandler Harrod, the owner, applied for retrospective planning permission for the decking, sauna outbuilding, and a 2.8-meter tall trellis fence. The application was initially refused by Great Yarmouth Borough Council after an alleged whistleblower alerted officials to building work conducted without the necessary permits. Harrod subsequently filed an appeal.
An inspector from the Planning Inspectorate visited the property last month but was denied access. According to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, a no-show during an appeal inspection can lead to automatic dismissal. The appeal was subsequently dismissed.
Neighbors have expressed relief, with some stating they have experienced numerous sleepless nights due to the alleged parties. One resident, Phil Leach, described witnessing 'wild stag dos, hen dos, drunk people on the decking snorting lines of cocaine and smoking weed.' Another resident, John Huxford, who has lived next to the property for 36 years, stated he had seen people engaging in sexual acts on the decking and in the hot tub, and that his garden had been littered with beer cans and other refuse.
Despite the ongoing dispute and the appeal's outcome, the property, which holds a 4.82 rating on Airbnb, remains listed as a 'coastal getaway with sauna and hot tub.' Harrod may now be required to dismantle the sauna and decking, as well as the trellis fencing.