A planning dispute has escalated after the local council declared that alterations to a luxury rental property breach the human rights of Women's Institute members.

Wells Town Council has formally objected to retrospective planning permission sought by architect Tom Leahy for modifications to his £4,000-per-week holiday let.

The council's town clerk, Emma Gunhouse, said: "The council stands by its objections to the original application and fervently protests against these recent alterations which ride roughshod over the Wells neighbourhood plan and the human rights of the members of the Wells Women's Institute."

The controversy centres on unauthorised changes including a repositioned swimming pool and newly installed hot tub at the converted former youth hostel.

The 47-member WI branch has occupied their hall behind the property since the 1920s, but now faces restricted access after Mr Leahy rotated the plunge pool by 90 degrees.

The pool now sits just over a metre from the WI building, obstructing an area members previously utilised.

Additional installations not featured in the initial planning submission include a hot tub and alfresco cooking facilities with pizza oven and barbecue.

"A recent inspection of the site revealed that work had already taken place to create an extensive area of hard landscaping not included in the original submission, which is the source of this retrospective application," Mrs Gunhouse confirmed.

The former youth hostel was converted

The property, purchased for £400,000 in April 2024, accommodates up to 20 guests.

The WI has formally objected to the development, warning that noise and reduced parking could threaten the organisation's viability.

"Given the close proximity of the plunge pool, its occupants and the noise being generated, this will undoubtedly impact adversely on our current membership and will also affect our future membership and, eventually, our sustainability," the WI stated in correspondence with the council.

Eighteen objections have been submitted against the planning application, with residents expressing concerns about the property becoming "an outdoor activity centre with sleeping accommodation attached."

The row broke out in the quiet Norfolk village

One neighbour warned: "If members cannot access the hall safely and readily, they will not come to meetings. This will be to the detriment of their wellbeing and mental health."

Mr Leahy maintains that concerns about the development are "unfounded" and has defended the pool's repositioning.

He explained that drainage manholes discovered during construction prevented the original placement.

The architect, who manages six similar properties nationwide, has implemented noise monitoring systems that alert guests via text message when sound levels are exceeded, with deposit forfeiture for non-compliance.

"It gets controlled and managed by us within 10 minutes," he said.

He has offered the WI alternative parking spaces on Church Plain for meeting days and widened the access drive from two to three metres.

The property is already advertised on Finest Retreats for £3,938 weekly.

North Norfolk District Council will determine the retrospective planning application at a later date.