Neighbours of an Airbnb bungalow in Norfolk, nicknamed ‘Orgy St Margaret’ by locals, have won a long legal battle against its owner after complaining that the property was being used for ‘unspeakable debauchery’ in full view of the community — including sex in a hot tub, beer cans and used condoms tossed into their gardens.
Owen Chandler Harrod, who marketed the two-bedroom property in Ormesby St Margaret as an ideal couples’ getaway, was refused retrospective planning permission last year for a raised decking area, a sauna outbuilding and 2.8-metre tall trellis fencing at his bungalow. The refusal came after a whistleblower tipped off Great Yarmouth Borough Council that building work had been carried out without permission. Harrod appealed, but the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal following a site visit last month during which no one was available to grant the inspector access.
“Airbnb owner loses appeal to keep sauna and decking after neighbour complaints about used condoms and sex in hot tub.”
The property, which still boasts a 4.81 rating on Airbnb, sits on an elevated deck that locals claim allowed neighbours an unwelcome view of alleged steamy behaviour in its hot tub. 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 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.’
The inspector had warned Harrod in writing that a no-show would result in automatic dismissal under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 — and that is exactly what happened. The decision marks the end of a long-running dispute that saw neighbours complain repeatedly about the noise and behaviour emanating from what many had hoped would be a quiet retreat.
The interpretation: with the appeal dismissed, Harrod must now remove the unauthorised structures, but the bungalow remains listed on Airbnb, leaving neighbours to wonder whether the debauchery will simply move indoors.