Couple Forced to Sell £1.85M Home After Noise Complaint
A couple, Richard and Victoria Kerrison, are being compelled to sell their £1.85 million farm home due to a single noise complaint from a neighbor. The Kerrisons were taken aback when the complaint led to a ruling that they did not have the appropriate permission to run holiday lets on their property. Initially, the neighbor, a screenwriter whose work was even bought by Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, raised concerns about loud music and children playing. Subsequently, the North Norfolk Council and the Planning Inspectorate deemed that the Kerrisons were not authorized to operate parts of Roundabout Farm in Norfolk as holiday lets.
The couple has staunchly defended their stance that planning permission is unnecessary to utilize a property as a holiday let. They have expended a substantial £90,000 in legal expenses to combat the decision. Their cause was supported by their other neighbor, Lady Anwen Hurt, the widow of the renowned actor John Hurt. Despite purchasing Roundabout Farm in 1997 and meticulously transforming it into a serene retreat for holidaymakers, the Kerrisons have decided to sell the property following the enforcement ruling.
“One person’s opinion and a swipe of the pen has written us off. We’ve spent all this time building up a really good and solid business and we worked hard to keep it going.” – Victoria Kerrison
The predicament stemmed from a deterioration in the water supply shared by the Kerrisons and Mrs. Crawley, their neighbor who made the complaint. Mrs. Crawley voiced concerns about various noises like car doors slamming, children’s play, conversations, and loud music. The Council contacted the Kerrisons after receiving reports of planning breaches at Roundabout Farm. The focal point of the issue was the Courtyard building, utilized as a holiday let without proper authorization.
The Kerrisons modified their guest regulations, such as prohibiting outdoor activities after 10 pm and relocating a hot tub away from Mrs. Crawley’s periphery. The Planning Inspectorate ruled in favor of the Kerrisons allowing them to continue residing in part of the property. Nevertheless, they were instructed to cease using Courtyard Barn as a holiday let by November. Consequently, the couple has chosen to sell the property, citing financial losses incurred from the dispute and legal costs.
“We have to think: can we afford to still live here or do we move away? It is sad that you can have your life wiped out like that. If we can sell, we will go. But if not, we’ll have to rethink what we’re doing next.” – The Kerrisons
Roundabout Farm is currently listed on the market for £1,850,000.