A 24-year-old wellness influencer has found herself at the centre of a bitter neighbourhood dispute after opening a £30,000 Pilates studio in her grandparents' garden in Norfolk.
The Dream and The Disruption
Megan Smith spent three years training in exclusive wellness centres in Dubai before selling her possessions, including her car, to fund her business dream. Returning to the UK, she moved into her grandparents' £825,000 home in Kings Lynn, where they split the cost of converting an outbuilding into Luco Wellness, named after her dogs Lulu and Coco.
The studio, which opened on November 3, welcomed 46 clients in its first week, offering up to six classes daily. Prices range from £23 for a single session to £40 for a private class, with the business also hosting hen parties and corporate events. An onsite cafe, Luco Nourish, serves organic Matcha lattes and Acai bowls.
Neighbourhood Backlash and Social Media 'Stalking'
However, the venture has ignited fury among some residents in North Wootton. They complain of potential noise, hazardous parking, and disruption to their quiet community. A key issue is that Megan applied for planning permission retrospectively, with West Norfolk Council set to decide the application on January 12.
Megan claims disgruntled locals have set up fake social media accounts to monitor her business, which boasts over 23,000 followers. "I have had these people looking at my social media and stalking me on there. It’s bizarre," she said. She admitted to starting trading before securing permission because she "could not wait longer to start earning money."
A Clash of Visions and Generations
The conflict highlights a generational and cultural divide. Objectors argue there is no need for the studio as Pilates is already available in the village hall and fear it will change the area's character. One anonymous resident cited concerns over "very little parking" and disruption.
Megan defends her business, blaming a lack of social media understanding among older residents for misconceptions about its scale. "They just don't understand social media. That's how I get all of my clients," she stated, clarifying that her reformer classes host only five people at a time.
Planning consultants for Megan insist the operation is modest, with no loud music and a parking system for five cars. A planning officer's report supported the development, citing "minimal traffic" and "no unacceptable noise or amenity impacts."
Divided Community and Final Decision
The community remains split. Some neighbours, like 79-year-old Betty Engledow, are supportive, while others have instructed a planning firm to formally oppose the application. Their submitted letter argues the business is a "detriment" to residents and is "wholly inappropriate within a residential area."
Megan's grandparents, Bernie and Georgina, strongly defend their granddaughter. Bernie revealed they paid £1,000 for a sound test which came back with a "clean bill of health," stating, "Reformer Pilates is silent and gentle."
All eyes are now on West Norfolk Council's planning committee, which will deliver its verdict on January 12, deciding whether this modern wellness venture can coexist with the tranquillity of a Norfolk village.
