Villagers have said they’re fighting a “David and Goliath” battle against a billionaire entrepreneur’s plan to create a huge $37,200-a-night wedding venue on their doorstep.
Residents in Huntingfield, Suffolk, which has a population of just 150, claim the “all singing, all dancing”‘ entertainment center, which could hold 288 people, will destroy their rural idyll.
The location, known as Blyth Barn, is part of luxury holiday firm Wilderness Reserve owned by Jon Hunt, founder of estate agency Foxtons, and visited by stars such as Zoe Sugg and Jack Whitehall.
However, the venue, which includes professional chefs and spa therapists on site, has angered locals who say it has gone “too far.”
They are particularly concerned about the approval of a 24-hour alcohol license, the effect on local traffic and late-night disturbance.
At the end of last year, the business applied for a premises license at its latest development called Blyth Barn on the Valley Farm estate.
Proposals for the venue to serve alcohol 24 hours a day were approved by East Suffolk Council earlier this month.
An extraordinary general meeting of Huntingfield Parish Council on Thursday, Jan. 30, saw 50 objectors turn up to discuss the “biased” application.
The Wilderness Reserve has also sought “part retrospective” planning permission to reconfigure three approved holiday lets into a single guest house known as Blyth Barn.
Once finished, the 17-room property will have a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, gym and party room.
Lorraine Brennan, 61, and Nina Roe, 39, are two villagers who have objected to the plans.
They said residents had initially been informed there were plans for a “rural retreat” that have now spiraled into the entertainment venue.
They are concerned that their “tranquil and peaceful village would be destroyed” by visitors who may overspill and cause nuisances in the village.
They also had worries about drunken behavior, drug taking and a lack of security.
“We feel as if we’ve been disregarded and unconsidered all in the name of money,” said Lorraine, who has lived in the “very old village and small farming community” for eight years.
“We were pleased when the application went through for the Valley Farm site as the old gothic farmhouse has been in disrepair for the last 40 years,” she admitted.
“We thought the idea of a rural retreat would be a really good thing for the village.
“Then in December 2024, we’re told they want to turn it into an entertainment center. It will be larger than our village,” Lorraine complained.
“We’ve had four years of construction noise disturbing the peace of the village already. This has got to a point where it’s gone too far.
“All of the construction traffic goes through the heart of the village as well as every staff member and guest. It’s a single-track road.”
Lorraine also shared that the issue has been “quite mentally distressing,” adding, “Our village and close community has been ruined.”
She said that the village is “very lucky” that it already has a “wonderful pub and little village hall,” but noted that they both shutter by 11 p.m.
“Why should this development be allowed a 24-hour license?” Lorraine asked. “It’s a David and Goliath battle.”
The reserve’s barrister presented the case at the licensing meeting on Jan. 15 and described the venue as a “deconstructed hotel” that aims to “promote nature, sustainability, and the rural economy.”
The alcohol license was granted on several conditions, including the Challenge 25 policy being adopted — it involves requesting ID for anyone under 25 — and CCTV.
The meeting also heard that a noise management plan should be prepared in consultation with East Suffolk Council before it is submitted.
The music sound levels should not exceed 85 decibels in the day and 75 decibels in the evening, controlled by acoustic limiting devices.
“Nobody has considered the knock-on effect this will have on traffic, light pollution, noise or the wildlife. Guests will be moving down into the village, coming into the pub — nobody in the venue can stop that,” said Nina Roe, who has lived in Huntingfield all her life.
“It was noted that it was antisocial to use a single narrow lane, and they would use another access point. But all the roads into the village are single lanes,” she continued.
“Guests are picked up in Land Rover taxis and helicopters pick them up and land all over the village. These aren’t noiseless vehicles.
“We’ve been misled.”
Blyth Barn is still being developed but is being promoted as available from May 2025 for wedding and corporate events.
The Wilderness Reserve was contacted for comment.