Council ends toilet saga at Heacham South Beach campsite

But a series of rows between the toilet owner and the council has now cost the taxpayer £10,000. 

The decision brings an end to what was dubbed the 'khazi controversy', which centred on a toilet block at a campsite in Heacham, near Hunstanton. 

The facility was built five years ago, with West Norfolk Council ruling that it could only be used by working farmers due to concerns about flooding and the land being used too intensively. 

However, landowner Nigel Marsh has succeeded in overturning the clause, which will now allow the loos to be used by friends, family and those staying at holiday lets on the site. 

Heacham campsite owner Nigel Marsh (Image: Chris Bishop)

Council officials said the facility would not be a "free for all" and should not be used as a public convenience despite the more lenient rules.

Vivienne Spikings, Conservative councillor for Upwell and Delph ward, said: "I think you can laugh about this one.

"Quite honestly, if the toilet was there and the need was there I would be using it regardless of what is allowed."

But others were less pleased about the decision. 

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The campsite on South Beach Road, at Heacham (Image: Chris Bishop)

Terry Parish, councillor for Heacham ward, said: "Mr Marsh says the rules have been unreasonable and restrictive but this is exactly what was asked for in his original application.

"He was granted a toilet block to be used by agricultural workers and that would not have happened if it was for an other purpose."

The block was built in 2019 and became subject to an investigation after council officials became suspicious that there may have been some non-agricultural use of the cubicles, contrary to the conditions of its development. 

This was one of several disputes between Mr Marsh and the council, in which he has won three appeals to the planning inspectorate.

West Norfolk Council has also been ordered to pay his costs - reckoned at around £10,000 - after a government inspector found it had acted unreasonably.

Due to his latest victory, Mr Marsh will now be able to open the toilet to friends, family, guests at his site as well as staff working on the land.