West Norfolk dance studio in Elm appeals enforcer's shutdown

Danica Painter had been running classes at a former jam factory in the village of Elm until she was told to stop by West Norfolk Council in May this year.

The business was being run without proper planning permission, causing uproar amongst neighbours due to parking woes, noise issues and "inappropriate" sights.

Students may have hoped to become Strictly Come Dancing stars of the future, such as Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu (Image: PA)

READ MORE: Seafront bar gets go-ahead for roof terrace

Miss Painter had been renting the space at The Old Jam Factory in Chapel Lane and has claimed she was unaware the appropriate permissions to run the studio had not been granted.

The property had been derelict for 50 years until it was converted into a dance studio space in 2020 by owner Paul Hounslow.

Attempts were made to make a retrospective planning application for the studio but this was withdrawn prior to the enforcement notice.

Mr Hounslow has claimed the council did not "fairly or correctly" consider the application.

READ MORE: Homeowner appeals after bungalow dreams rejected

A number of people objected to the dance studio after the application was made at the end of 2022.

One local complained that her four-year-old child could see from their bedroom window "girls in thongs and bras" pole dancing, and said it was "inappropriate" and "not the place" for the studio.

Others complained that parking had become "horrific" with drivers leaving their cars in the middle of the single-track road.

Planning officials agreed with their concerns, saying the studio was shut down because it had caused a "detrimental and unacceptable noise and disturbance impact" on surrounding neighbours.

But Miss Painter believes she has a chance to overturn the decision, which will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate office.

A final decision is expected to be made later this year.