Morston Hall's Galton Blackiston defends walk-in fridge

Galton Blackiston, who owns Morston Hall Hotel, near Blakney, says he has been left baffled by the row, which began after complaints were made about his new chiller erected outside of his kitchen.

He is now battling to keep it after North Norfolk District Council refused planning permission for the structure on the basis it harmed the character of the historic 17th-century venue and that it would disturb neighbours due to the noise it produced.

Morston Hall, near Blakeney (Image: Archant)

But the Norfolk-born culinary stalwart believes the complaints are unjustified and has doubted it has caused disruption to his neighbours, who he understands only stay at the property for three weeks a year. 

Mr Blackiston, who has held a Michelin star for more than two decades, has since appealed to the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over planning disputes. - to overturn the decision.

FRIDGE FRICTION

The outdoor chiller was installed in February 2023 and seven months later a complaint was made to the council. 

The walk-in fridge, covered by a wooden frame, at Morston Hall (Image: NNDC)

NNDC planning officers later refused his bid to keep it, arguing the structure harmed the locally listed building - a designation the council bestowed upon the hall in 2019 due to its "aesthetic value".

Morston Hall is not nationally listed by Historic England, which means planning permission is not required for any alteration to the property, but the local council can use the 'locally designated' status to inform planning decisions.

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However, Mr Blackiston, who has owned the venue for 32 years, says he was not informed of this change and that it came as a "massive surprise".

"I had no idea it was a listed building until this matter arose and it came as a massive surprise. For more than 30 years I presumed we could make changes to our property.

"We have always been careful with any changes we have made to the building and grounds as there is no way we would want an eyesore at Morston Hall."

Michelin chef Galton Blackiston in the greenhouse at Morston Hall hotel and restaurant (Image: Denise Bradley)

NEIGHBOURLY NIGGLES

He has also been left baffled by his neighbour's objections, who complained about the noise and the loss of their view of Morston village.

"Since 1992, Morston Hall has and hopefully will continue to be a place of pride, not only for ourselves but for the village to have such a long-standing hotel and restaurant of Michelin excellence.

"I would never want to fall out with anybody but it is frustrating when people move into the area and complain.

"I am led to believe the neighbours only live there 3-4 weeks a year and use it as a holiday home.

"Another complaint was that it blocks their view of Morston but this seems a bit odd as the only thing the fridge blocks is the view across our car park. I did not think this would have to be something I had to consider."

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Galton Blackiston has been running Morston Hall and Restaurant for more than three decades (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Blackiston also insists the fridge is unlikely to cause any noise nuisance.

"The reason we bought the fridge was because it is absolutely the quietest chiller on the market.

"It is well under the noise levels we are supposed to abide by. The last thing we would want is something loud that interrupts our guests – why would we want something making a racket outside?

"I am not looking for an argument but I have a right to say how it is." 

Mr Blackiston and North Norfolk District Council have submitted their case to officials, who will now preside over the case before deciding whether or not the fridge can remain in situ.

A result is expected later this year.