The owners of a wedding venue have applied to retain the site all summer amid an ongoing feud with locals.
Tipi's at Bertie's Barn, in Keswick, near Norwich, was set up by Spencer and Lea Hood as a seasonal events space on a 1.2-acre plot in 2022.
The business operates between June and September, with a maximum of 10 weddings hosted during this time in a large tipi tent, stretch tents and bell tents.
Tipi's at Bertie's Barn is located in Keswick, near Norwich (Image: South Norfolk Council)
It currently operates under a temporary events licence which was granted by South Norfolk Council just under two years ago and states the tents can only be assembled for 28 days a year.
READ MORE: Revised plans revealed for major revitalisation project to city gateway
The Hoods are now applying to retain the space throughout the summer season without having to take down the tents, as well as keeping its 40-space car park open during the three months.
Existing plans for the venue's layout (Image: South Norfolk Council)
A planning statement reads: "Given the difficulty and effort involved in erecting these tipis, it is proposed that they remain in situ during an agreed-upon period, after which they will be dismantled and the land restored thereafter."
READ MORE: Community garden vandalism branded 'disappointing and frustrating'
Hugh Coggles, South Norfolk Council's ecology, biodiversity and tree manager, has no objections.
The venue runs between July and September (Image: South Norfolk Council)
But the application comes amid a long-running feud between the family and Keswick locals who have targeted their property with vandalism during the last three years in protest over possible disruption.
Most recently, a woman was caught on CCTV smearing dog muck on their venue's sign, sparking outrage from the family and general public alike.
Dog muck was smeared on the business' sign last week (Image: Lea Hood)
"Throughout our journey, we have remained conscious of our surrounding neighbourhood and we have never allowed our couples to play music beyond 11.30pm and employ a car park attendant to ensure guests do not leave on foot and cause a nuisance," the planning statement adds.
"We're extremely passionate about what we do and take great care to try and think of all eventualities."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel