A 25 year long feud between a landowner and national park chiefs over development of the Norfolk Broads is heading for a court showdown. Businessman Raymond Hollocks, 70, owns three prominent sites on the broads and is engaged in protracted and bitter legal fights with the Broads Authority (BA) at each one.
The ongoing feud with the BA dates back a quarter of a century when Mr Hollocks first bought a site on the waterways. Mr Hollocks claims the BA has been pursuing a “personal vendetta” against him and is hampering his efforts to build viable businesses on the Broads.
After several years of back and forth, the row between the two sides is now set for a court showdown this summer. The latest case - due to be heard in August - sees Mr Hollocks face allegations of falling to abide by an enforcement notice to remove static caravans - but he said he will fight the claims all the way.
Mr Hollocks, owner of the Beauchamp Arms pub on the Broads, said: "It's heart-breaking what the BA have done to our rivers. It used to be a thriving place around here. By taking away my boat trade, they are now trying to penalise me for renovating the place to have a focus on accommodation and fishing to boost trade."
The Authority says speak of a "personal vendetta" is nonsense and that its actions are necessary to protect the character of the waterways from unsuitable developments. A BA spokesperson said: “The landowner has committed the same breach of planning regulations at three locations now and the Authority has no option but to take enforcement action against somebody flouting planning regulations so consistently."
The acrimony dates back to 1997 - just eight years after the BA was established. It was at this point that Mr Hollocks bought his first Broads business, the Beauchamp Arms - located on the banks of the River Yare.
He later took on the Berney Arms further downstream - another once popular pub which is now closed. His third business venture in the area involved purchasing the Loddon Marina, in the picturesque town at the end of the River Chet.
His battles with the BA began shortly after he took on the Beauchamp. One of the earliest sources of controversy was the type of cladding he used on the dock at the site.
Other tussles have followed - including the BA's disapproval of the colour he used when he painted the pub bright blue. It has also objected to kerbing and lighting he has installed on the half-mile track to the pub from the main road, as well as an area of wooden decking in the pub garden, saying the necessary permissions were not secured.
Mr Hollocks said: "We don’t get the trade on this section, because the BA's focus is primarily on Oulton and the northern section. Beauchamp is special in so many ways, it has amazing energy and is in a beautiful and marvellous setting and I am very welcoming and would love people to come along here and sit and relax.
"I have the best intentions for this place and it is devastating the BA are not helping us run it."
One recurring theme in the disputes has been the use of static caravans at all three sites. The installation of such structures is strictly controlled on the Broads and this has led to repeated clashes with the BA, which says the necessary permissions have not always been granted.
Arguments about the caravans - some of which house tenants of Mr Hollocks' - have raged for years, but now matters seem to be coming to a head. In April, the BA issued an enforcement notice for the removal of two statics and a wooden building at the Berney Arms.
Then, last month, the organisation made the same order for two caravans at Loddon. The case which is most advanced, however, relates to the Beauchamp. In August, Mr Hollocks is due at court accused of failing to abide by the terms of an earlier enforcement notice from the BA to remove two statics from outside the pub.
Mr Hollocks claims he was in Florida - where he owns another home - when the notice was served at the pub. When he returned months later, there was no time to launch an appeal, he argues.
He has been threatened with court before, and says he is confident he can win the latest case. Mr Hollocks said: "In 2018 I spent £10,000 on legal fees in a court hearing against the Broads Authority in one of the first enforcement situations.
"A week prior to the case they dropped their charges. The statics we are appearing in court over have been on the rating list [of rateable properties] since 2005 and used for staff accommodation and holiday lets.
"We will fight them and win it."
BA insists it supports and promotes the Southern Rivers, and points to various campaigns and initiatives to bring more to these waterways.
A spokesman said: "Through our websites, social media and Broadcaster Magazine, the Broads Authority provides comprehensive visitor information on the best places to visit in the unique and beautiful southern rivers.
“We have also produced guides in Broadcaster and animated safety videos on how to safely cross Breydon Water.
"There is also our friendly and helpful team at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station who advise boaters on the best crossing times.
“In particular, the tranquil Southern Rivers are a mecca for paddlers, with some fantastic yards where you can hire canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards and lots of great local pubs, restaurants and cafes to fuel up at."
