Owner of Hill House in Saxlingham withdraws planning bid

Campaigners fighting to put a stop to events hosted at Hill House, a huge 17th century property in Saxlingham Nethergate that is used as a hotel and glamping venue, were expecting a verdict on its future at a meeting this week. 

However, this remains shrouded in uncertainty after Darren Swayne, the owner of the business, withdrew his application to continue hosting events at the eleventh hour and without explanation.

Jo Kershaw, a member of local campaign group Saxlingham Tired of Noisy Events (STONE), said the surprise move had only exasperated villagers more. 

She added: "It's frustrating because we just want to know what's happening and I wonder if he is just trying to wear us all down by doing this again and again. 

"This continues to upset and vex local people."

Campaigners put up signs around the village (Image: Supplied)

HISTORY OF HILL HOUSE

Hill House is a Grade II-listed property in Saxlingham Nethergate that accommodates up to 25 guests, but many more can stay in bell tents in the grounds. Locals say some events have attracted crowds of up to 200 people, with some lasting several days. 

The business has been in operation since 2012 and the subject of various planning disputes as well as an enforcement notice from South Norfolk Council due to the hosting of commercial events at the venue.

This is despite Hill House being officially registered as a residential property. 

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The entrance to Hill House in Saxlingham Nethergate (Image: Denise Bradley)

Villagers have complained of excessive noise and drunken shouting from the site, which they say hosts "Ibiza-style" parties and festivals that can be heard almost a mile away. 

Mr Swayne's latest application to the council sought retrospective permission to use the property as a holiday let and host large outdoor events. 

WHAT IS THE LATEST TWIST?

Mr Swayne's application was due to be considered by South Norfolk Council at a meeting on Wednesday, but this was pulled from the agenda on Tuesday afternoon.

Councillors were advised by officials at the authority to grant temporary planning permission until the end of 2025, meaning Hill House could host a maximum of six large events per year with up to 100 guests.

Saxlingham Nethergate, near Tasburgh (Image: LDRS)

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Mr Swayne declined to comment on his reasons for withdrawing the application but previously said he was looking forward to finding "a resolution to this longstanding situation". 

The saga will continue next week as the Planning Inspectorate is due to rule on Mr Swayne's appeal against South Norfolk Council's enforcement notice. 

He will argue his case for hosting guests and events in the house at the hearing on Tuesday.

GROWING FRUSTRATION

Campaigners say their fight is far from over and will need to re-submit their objections to the council if Mr Swayne lodges a new application for large outdoor events following his enforcement hearing. 

Jo Kershaw, a local campaigner (Image: Submitted)

Jo Kershaw, a local campaigner, said: "I wonder if he is just trying to wear us all down and we do lose people along the way with each new application.

"People grow fatigued and they have lives to get on with. We're constantly left wondering and not knowing what is going to happen."

John Cook, who was elected to South Norfolk Council on a pledge to tackle the issue more than a year ago, said: "Having the application withdrawn at the last minute is very frustrating.

"Local people have spent many hours making sure that we have the evidence to show the damage that these events cause to our community.

"Now we will not have opportunity to put our case in front of the planning committee and have our objections heard."