It is a row which has gripped Saxlingham Nethergate for years, with villagers arguing over a nearby glamping site which many claim has become a source of unbearable commotion, noise and annoyance.
Now, the discord surrounding the Hill House venue seems to have taken over the parish council too.
A recent stormy meeting saw tempers raised as members pointed fingers at one another while one - who works at the controversial business - was embroiled in fiery clashes with members of the public.
The increasing division at the authority has seen one long-standing councillor step down and other members castigated for their "disappointing conduct".
HOT UNDER THE COLLAR OVER HILL HOUSE
Tensions have been growing at Saxlingham Nethergate Parish Council as the village awaits a verdict on the fate of Hill House, a huge 17th century property used as a hotel and glamping site.
The Grade II-listed property accommodates up to 25 guests, but many more can stay in bell tents in the grounds.
Locals say events there 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.
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.
Members of campaign group Saxlingham Tired of Noisy Events (STONE) have united to push back against the business, while villager John Cook was elected to South Norfolk Council last year on a pledge to resolve the issue.
Last autumn, officials from the council issued an enforcement notice to stop commercial events being held at the venue, saying Hill House was officially registered as a residential property.
But Darren Swayne, the owner of property, lodged an appeal against the decision.
The case is now in the hands of the Planning Inspectorate - which adjudicates on controversial planning disputes - and officials organised a public meeting in Saxlingham village hall last month, to hear the argument debated.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE HEARING?
Parish councillors and members of STONE attended the meeting and tensions were high as people fought to be heard.
At a parish council meeting held days later, Mr Cook - who attended both events - chastised unnamed parish councillors for their "disappointing conduct" at the earlier hearing.
Jackie Lee-Smith, who works at Hill House and has been a parish councillor for two months, believes the comment was directed at her.
However, she defended her behaviour.
"That was aimed at me. I have been accused of poor conduct," she said.
"The campaigners all turned on me and told me my questions were irrelevant. I just wanted to make sure everyone got their say.
"This issue has split the whole village. But I just want to see this dealt with and sorted - the parish council has other things to do and we're not here to sort out neighbourly disputes."
COUNCILLOR RESIGNS
William Goff, a long-standing member of the parish council, stepped down at the meeting following the criticism of councillors.
The reference to "disappointing conduct" is not thought to have been aimed at him but he is understood to have grown increasingly frustrated at recent events and rising tensions.
He described his resignation as an "entirely personal and private matter".
Roger Stocks, the chairman of the authority, declined to comment on the recent disputes.
Mr Cook said he regretted Mr Goff's resignation.
A decision on whether to uphold the enforcement notice is expected soon.
READ MORE: Enforcement re-think after council finds IT OWNS site at centre of dispute
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