Overview

• North Norfolk District Council refused retrospective planning permission for the couple's luxury garden lodge, citing driveway safety concerns and environmental compliance mandates.
• The council determined the lodge's driveway lacked adequate visibility and space for safe vehicle maneuvering, posing risks for guests exiting onto a nearby B-road.
• Officials also required the couple to invest £10,000 in nutrient neutrality measures to prevent water pollution, further straining the venture's financial viability.
• Mark Short and Lawrence Wolfe, who hosted 120 guests with positive reviews since March 2023, decided to close the lodge and move back to Milton Keynes after concluding they could not recoup their £26,000 investment.
• The couple retains the right to appeal the council's decision, as indicated in the official notice, though they have not announced any plans to pursue this option.