The owner of an Airbnb in Norfolk accused of hosting sex parties has lost his battle to keep a sauna and decking that neighbours claimed were used for 'debauchery'. Chandler Harrod marketed the bungalow in Ormesby St Margaret as a perfect getaway for couples, but locals said guests having outdoor sex sessions were blighting their lives, with a hot tub on raised decking in full view of neighbouring gardens.
Planning permission denied
Harrod was refused retrospective permission from Great Yarmouth Borough Council for the decking, sauna outbuilding, and 2.8-metre tall trellis fencing last year. The refusal came after a whistleblower tipped off officials that building work had been carried out without required permission. The Planning Inspectorate has now dismissed Harrod's appeal following a site visit last month, where nobody was available to grant the inspector access. The property has a 4.81 rating on Airbnb and costs £221 for two nights this month.
Neighbour complaints
The appeal followed a flood of complaints from neighbours who objected to the unauthorised building work and raised concerns over guest behaviour. Locals claimed elevated decking meant they had seen guests getting steamy in the hot tub and had found used condoms thrown into their gardens. They also said they were frequently forced to listen to accompanying noise from the two-bedroom bungalow.
Rosemary Vincent, 90, said: 'There is all sorts of debauchery there, which all the residents are aware of.' John Huxford, 80, added: 'I have seen all sorts going on there. I have seen people having sex on the decking and up to all sorts of mischief in the hot tub. People also stand on the table, shouting. As a result of the partying, all sorts of stuff has been thrown into my garden – beer cans, litter and even a used condom. It is just disgusting.'
Appeal dismissed
Having already warned Harrod in writing that a no-show would result in automatic dismissal under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the inspector threw out his appeal. The bungalow is still listed on Airbnb as a 'coastal getaway with sauna and hot tub', but Harrod, who bought the property during the pandemic, could now be forced to remove the sauna and rip out the decking and trellis.
Harrod previously said: 'I'm not aware of any problems with the Airbnb, it's been very successful, and it's always fully booked. I've had nothing but positive conversations and experiences with all my neighbours on the road. It's a lovely area, and everybody has been very kind and helpful. Of course, if any of the neighbours need to have a conversation with me, they are more than welcome to.'
