Neighbours in Lymington Express Concerns Over Noise, Karaoke, and Privacy Issues at Secret Garden Glamping

A glamping site in Lymington has been denied planning permission after neighbours raised concerns about disruptive noise, including sexual activities, loud talking, and karaoke performances. The Secret Garden Glamping site, located in the garden of a semi-detached house in Shrubbs Avenue, had applied for retrospective permission to operate its two tents from May to September. However, local residents complained that the noise from the site caused significant disturbances during previous summers.

One neighbour explained, “I moved into this house, thinking it was in a quiet area, but once people started staying at the glamping site, the noise became unbearable. We often hear music, loud conversations, swearing, and even sex from the thin-walled tents.”

Another resident added, “The noise is particularly disruptive at night when glampers treat the site as their holiday spot, with no regard for the neighbours. There was even a karaoke machine, and one afternoon, we had to endure a couple repeatedly singing ‘Islands in the Stream,’ convinced they sounded like Dolly and Kenny.”

The noise issues were further compounded by concerns over the proximity of the glamping site’s bonfire to nearby trees. One complainant expressed, “The fire pit is dangerously close to the trees that separate our gardens, creating a safety hazard.”

In response to these complaints, New Forest District Council decided to reject the application, citing the impact on the residential area. The council’s planning service manager, David Norris, noted, “The use of this rear garden area for glamping would significantly increase noise and disturbance, far beyond what is typical for a residential neighbourhood.”

The applicant, Liz Feay, who has run the glamping site for five years, argued that the complaints were a result of personal issues with her neighbours. She stated, “I have always maintained the glamping site as a peaceful retreat. There was one private party held for my 40th birthday last year, but it had nothing to do with my business. Since then, every noise my family or guests make has been reported, including fabricated complaints about sex noises and a karaoke machine.”

Despite the objections, Feay defended her business, stating, “These complaints are a deliberate attack on my business, leading to damage to my reputation and privacy invasion. I have not had a karaoke machine available to guests, and there is no issue with sex noises at my site.”