15 November 2023 , 15:59
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A campsite owner has claimed a council is 'bullying' him after a five-year court fight allegedly left him £130,000 out of pocket after he won just £26 back in costs.
Nigel Marsh is said to have fought over an enforcement notice he was issued over 'infrastructure' he had installed for visitors, including a toilet block and showers. He is reported to have claimed they were allowed under permitted development, but King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council said they breached rules.
According to reports, during a pre-trial review at Norwich Crown Court, it was heard that the council would not be presenting evidence and that the case was to be dropped. He said he was then awarded costs for his travel expenses on that day, amounting to £26.
Nigel Marsh at his campsite in Heacham (Eastern Daily Press / SWNS)The former publican told MailOnline : "I'm being bullied by the council. They only have their view, they don't listen. They don't understand the facts and they don't ask for meetings to discuss issues. Their way is the only way."
Writing on his company website Mr Marsh said he had been engaged in three separate legal disputes with the local authorities since 2018. He said: "In each battle, I've had to put up with high legal costs, delayed decisions, and flimsy excuses that the council has scrounged up to hinder progress at every step.
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"Time and time again I have proven that my planned developments are lawful, and time and time again the council has returned with the most minor nitpick which, more often than not, does not even break the law."
The legal battles concerned the Hunstanton Camping & Glamping site, the Grainstore on that site, entry to the site, and two other sites in Holme-next-the-Sea and Burnham Market. According to the Mail the council said its position is that 'Mr Marsh remains in breach of planning control and is considering further action'.
It added: "The judgement was a procedural judgement only. The judge did not consider the merits of the council's case, as it had already withdrawn the application to take alternative action. The £26 costs awarded to Mr Marsh following the discontinuance is for his mileage to court and is in the process of being paid."
Mirror Online has contacted King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council for comment.