A social media influencer has ignited a bitter dispute with her neighbours in Norfolk after constructing a £30,000 Pilates studio in her grandparents' garden without the necessary planning consent.
Building First, Asking Later
Megan Smith, 24, opened 'Luco Wellness', named after her dogs, on November 3 from her grandparents' £825,000 property in Kings Lynn. The studio, which also offers Matcha drinks and Acai bowls, welcomed nearly 50 clients in its first week. However, Megan admitted she built it before securing approval from West Norfolk Council, stating she "could not wait longer to start earning money" after investing all her savings, including from selling her car.
She has since applied for retrospective planning permission, with a decision set for January 12. The application seeks a change of use for the building but has been met with dozens of complaints from local residents.
Neighbourhood Fears and Complaints
Residents have raised significant concerns about noise, traffic congestion, and safety risks. They argue the business intensity is inappropriate for the quiet, residential area. Particular worry centres on Sunday operations, with fears it could disrupt church services and Remembrance parades at a nearby war memorial.
Further friction arose when the studio's social media advertised the space for hen parties and corporate events, leading some to accuse Megan of underselling the venture's scope in her council application. Megan defends this, stating these are private classes where attendees might simply have a coffee afterwards.
Promotional material featuring a sauna, pool, and ice bath also caused alarm, though Megan clarified these are for residential use only and plans to include them commercially were dropped due to the complaints.
A Divided Community
While opposition is vocal, support exists. Neighbour Vince Williamson, 62, said it was a "good thing for the area". Megan's grandparents, Bernie and Georgina, strongly defend her, calling complaints "nonsense" and citing a £1,000 sound test that gave the studio a clean bill of health.
Planning consultants for Megan argue the proposal is a "modest, well-managed form of development" with minimal traffic impact. They've proposed a parking plan for five vehicles. Conversely, some residents have hired a planning firm to formally oppose the application, contending the level of activity is "wholly inappropriate".
With the council's verdict imminent, the row highlights the clash between entrepreneurial ambition and residential planning rules in a Norfolk village.
