Wealthy fund manager, 51, who angered villagers by hiring out his 17th century mansion for ‘Ibiza-style’ parties loses battle to host events – to locals’ delight
- Darren Swayne, 51, angered locals by renting out his house in Norfolk for parties
- The ex-fund manager has now been blocked from hosting parties by the council
A wealthy ex-fund manager who angered villagers by renting out his 17th century mansion for ‘Ibiza-style’ parties has lost his battle to host the events.
Darren Swayne, 51, became embroiled in a bitter row with locals after renting out his ten-bedroom mansion as an events and glamping venue.
Locals complained about the noise and disruption from stag dos and hen parties which they claimed would sometimes go on for days.
One local councillor, John Cook, even won an election by pledging to stop Hill House in the village of Saxlingham Nethergate, in Norfolk, from being rented out.
Now, the fund manager will be blocked from renting his mansion for parties after South Norfolk Council (SNC) refused his application to hire out the home.
Darren Swayne, 51, (pictured) has been blocked from renting out his 17th century mansion for Ibiza-style parties
Locals campaigned to block fund manager Darren Swayne from renting out Hill House for parties
Mr Cook said: ‘The village and myself are completely relieved by the decision.
‘It’s been a stressful nine months for all of us but it is a great example of the planning system working properly and I believe it has come to the right conclusion.
‘Hopefully now the village can come together and move forward.’
Mr Sayers began using his land for large-scale glamping events in 2019.
The actions of those attending and the noise they make has been controversial, leading to a feud amongst locals and Mr Sayers which has been raging on for years.
Villagers say they have had to put up with excessive noise and drunken shouting from the site.
Adults have also been accused of running through the quiet streets playing tag, with games being organised in an abandoned church on the edge of the village.
The ten-bedroom property can accommodate 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.
Locals led a campaign to stop Hill House, in Saxlingham Nethergate, in Norfolk, from being rented out for Ibiza-style parties
The 17th century mansion was rented out for events that attracted crowds of up to 200 people, locals claimed
The outrage eventually saw villagers set up a campaign group against the property, with one local even comparing events to Ibiza-style parties.
The Norfolk village of Saxlingham Nethergate had a population of under 700 people in the 2011 census.
Mr Swayne had been seeking a certificate of lawfulness – a planning device confirming that the use of a property is lawful.
They can be applied for once the land has had the same use continuously for 10 years.
In his application, Mr Swayne argued that Hill House had been open since October 2007, providing invoices, brochures and reviews as evidence.
But SNC’s planning officials said the guest logs provided by the applicant only begin in detail from 2012 and argued there had been two significant changes that constituted an interruption in the 10 years of use.
The first change came in 2016 with the introduction of storage containers, which they described as an ‘unauthorised’ use.
The second was the start of ‘field-based events’ in September 2019, when the site began to be used for large-scale glamping events of more than 100 guests.
Saxlingham Nethergate Parish Council (SNPC) argued that there was also a break in use during the coronavirus pandemic, but SNC officials dismissed this, partly because the business’ website was open for bookings during that period.
The ten-bedroom property is able to accommodate up to 25 guests with more people able to stay in glamping tents in the grounds
Hiring the venue in Saxlingham Nethergate, in Norfolk, for a weekend can cost £5,140
SNPC councillor Mike Haslam, a former head of planning for SNC, said: ‘The report rejects the assertion that the use has been established for 10 years.
‘Villagers will be delighted that any further development will require planning permission.
‘It’s caused grief across the village for some time.’
Mr Swayne said he was working through the decision notice and considering the options.
He said: ‘Whilst we do not agree with the legal opinion that the officers have received, we are grateful that a decision has been made and thank the officers for all of their hard work.
‘We are looking forward to meeting with SNC soon to discuss the way forward.
‘Whilst the applications were being considered we also took the opportunity to communicate further with the local community, understand opportunities and address any concerns.
‘The positive impact that Hill House is having on all who come is something that we are all extremely proud of.’
It is unclear what the rejection means for people who have booked the venue, with the website indicating bookings up until September 2024.
Hiring the venue for a weekend can cost £5,140.
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