An Airbnb host in Norfolk, Owen Chandler Harrod, has been embroiled in a legal dispute over allegations of hosting inappropriate activities on his property. Despite promoting his bungalow as a romantic retreat with a hot tub, neighbors reported that the hot tub area was used for outdoor sexual encounters visible to the community due to elevated decking.
Harrod faced opposition from neighbors and authorities after being accused of carrying out unauthorized construction work in his garden. He recently lost an appeal to retain a sauna, decking, and tall fencing at his property following complaints from neighbors about disruptive behavior and alleged debauchery.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council rejected Harrod’s request for retrospective permission to keep the contested structures. The Planning Inspectorate upheld the decision after a site visit where access to the property was denied. Locals had previously raised concerns about the property’s layout enabling unwelcome views of activities in the hot tub.
Residents reported finding discarded items like condoms in their gardens and enduring disruptive noise from the bungalow. Some neighbors described witnessing inappropriate behavior on the decking and in the hot tub, leading to frustration and discomfort in the community.
Despite maintaining a high rating on Airbnb, the property’s future remains uncertain as Harrod may be required to remove the sauna and decking. Harrod, who acquired the property during the pandemic, expressed satisfaction with the Airbnb’s success and positive interactions with neighbors, emphasizing his willingness to address any concerns raised by the community.