Sydney Mom's Popular Halloween Display Faces Scrutiny After Neighbor Complaint
Camden Council intervenes in elaborate home decoration due to permit concerns, sparking community debate.
A Sydney mother of four is reportedly devastated after her highly popular Halloween display, known as 'Spider House,' has attracted the attention of the local council. Sarah Naylor-Liddell transforms her home in Oran Park each October, drawing hundreds of visitors to the free attraction in the days leading up to Halloween.
Naylor-Liddell takes a month off work annually to create the elaborate display. However, Camden Council has raised concerns that the attraction is operating without the necessary checks and approvals. She expressed her distress on social media, stating she was informed that even applying for a permit might result in rejection.
According to Naylor-Liddell, the council's intervention followed a complaint from a neighbor, though she does not know who it is. She noted that the display had grown significantly over the years, attracting thousands of visitors, and she now prepares for around 5,000 people on Halloween night.
Her next-door neighbor, Lakshmi, stated they have no complaints and enjoy the display, having supported it annually. The situation has garnered significant public support online, with many locals rallying behind Naylor-Liddell and expressing concern that the display's potential closure would disappoint many children.
A spokesperson for Camden Council clarified that the display is not being stopped this year. However, they emphasized that for future years, the family would need to engage with the council to discuss the appropriate approval pathways and necessary checks. The council stated that while they welcome community events, they must be organized safely, responsibly, and in compliance with relevant requirements.
The council's statement highlighted that the concern is not about the decorations themselves, but rather the organized tours associated with the display, which require adherence to planning, safety, and approval regulations. They stressed their role in applying requirements fairly and working with organizers to ensure they understand their responsibilities, encouraging residents planning future events to contact the council early to discuss their plans.
Naylor-Liddell's emotional plea led to an outpouring of support online, with many locals urging the council to reconsider and warning that stopping the display would disappoint numerous children. 
A Camden Council spokesperson disputed suggestions that the attraction had been shut down, stating it could proceed this year and the family was welcome to discuss future arrangements.
