Our neighbours from hell hire out mansion for Ibiza-style parties…it’s ruined village – but we took our revenge
FUMING residents have said that their picturesque village has been ruined after their nightmare neighbours hired out a mansion for “Ibiza-style” parties.
Angry locals in Saxlingham Nethergate, Norfolk, have had enough of the ten-bed property bringing rowdy crowds to their quiet home.
Hill House is set in six acres of grounds belonging to wealthy ex-fund manager Darren Swayne and costs £6,000 a week to rent.
The cavernous property can accommodate up to 25 guests, but many more are able to stay in bell tents in the grounds.
Apart from partying business groups, the historic 17th century mansion is also increasingly popular with families and birthday groups.
Disgruntled residents have complained about the racket from stag dos and hen parties, claiming the noise from the house is unbearable and means they can’t sleep.
Now, some villagers who called for for it to be shut down are relieved after the “get away” mansion was forced to close its doors.
Objectors claim there is often excessive noise and “drunken shouting” from the grounds of Hill House and that guests there “run through the village playing tag” and using an abandoned church on the edge of the village for games.
One resident said: “A lot of people don’t like what goes on up there – and the main problem is noise.
“The house is on top of a hill and the noise and music just rolls down the open fields into the village. It gets very bad in the summer.
”But there is not a lot of work around here and very little in the village so it provides much-needed jobs for locals.”
Swayne will be blocked from renting his mansion for parties after South Norfolk Council (SNC) refused his application to hire out the home.
Some villagers have chosen to put up “Stop The Noise” placards in a bid to stop the noise in the sleepy village.
One local previously compared events hosted at the mansion to “Ibiza-style” parties.
But not all villagers are opposed to the activities at Hill House.
Pensioner David Carr, 75, said:”It provides work for locals – cleaners and staff – and boosts local suppliers. And they allow villagers to use the tennis court too.”
In his efforts to get permission Mr Swayne said the land had been in the same use for ten years – a requirement for getting the official go-ahead.
He provided South Norfolk council with evidence he claimed showed the business had been open continuously since 2007.
But planning officials rejected the claims and said the large-scale “glamping” events only began 2019.
Local parish councillor Mike Haslam, a former county council head of planning, said: “Villagers will be delighted that any further development will require planning permission.”
He claimed that Hill House “has caused grief across the village for some time.”
New district councillor John Cook, who canvassed on a campaign vowing to clamp down on parties at Hill House, said: “I am very pleased and relieved to see the planning committee’s decision – it is a victory for common sense.
“These types of places are becoming common and so are the problems associated with them. Companies that book awaydays or parties for staff should take into consideration the location and the actions of their employees often fuelled by alcohol, on local residents.
“I am in favour of people having a good time as long as they respect the local community and people living nearby.
“The companies that book these places – often household names like Google and Nike – have a duty of care to the community because these events can have a detrimental effect.
“As household names you would expect for their own reputation’s sake they would ensure their staff tailored their behaviour to the situation and surroundings.”
Mr Cook, who lives opposite Hill House, added: “Places like this should have a proper management system in place and restrict the number of guests as well as impose a curfew for outdoor activities.”
Mr Swayne, 51, said: “For the last two years we have instructed one of East Anglia’s prominent acoustic experts, who also represents seven local authorities, to monitor every single one of the corporate events we have hosted.
“Monitoring took place all around the village, including at my closest neighbours properties.
“His conclusion is that there are no issues with noise and our corporate events are so well managed and without impact that it is not necessary to continue using him.
“We have all of the data and reports to demonstrate this.
“The majority of my closest neighbours agree and have written to South Norfolk Council to explain that there are no noise problems at all.
“Whilst our advisors disagree with the legal opinion that the council officers have received, we thank them for all of their hard work.
“We are looking forward to discussing the next steps with South Norfolk Council and are excited about the future. Hill House is a very special place and the local team that run our small number of corporate events are extraordinary.”
Previously he said: “While we agree with the legal opinion the council has received we look forward to a meeting with them soon to discuss a way forward.
“While this process has been under way we have been communicating further with the local community, to understand opportunities and address any concerns.
“The positive effect that Hill House is having on all who come here is something we are all extremely proud of.”