A milliner who creates headwear for the Duchess of Cambridge has become embroiled in a fierce planning dispute, accusing her neighbours of launching an 'orchestrated campaign' against her award-winning campsite in the New Forest.
Peaceful Retreat or Source of Nuisance?
Vivien Sheriff, owner of Harry's Field in Hampshire, is seeking permission to open her tranquil site for 52 days a year, up from the current 28. The campsite, which has been run by the Sheriff family for 12 years and was voted into the Sunday Times top 40, is promoted as a haven for couples and families seeking a peaceful outdoor break. It offers 50 pitches for tents and motorhomes amidst quiet country lanes.
However, the bid has sparked significant local opposition. Neighbours have lodged a series of complaints, alleging that the site's serenity is shattered by screaming children and shouting adults from before 7am until after 11.30pm. They also claim campers have harassed local livestock, put children on donkeys' backs, and fed the animals inappropriate treats like doughnuts and biscuits – an illegal act in the New Forest.
Neighbours' Complaints and 'Orchestrated Campaign' Claims
One objector, Helen Taylor, a vet who lives adjacent to the field, stated she has been 'plagued by problems'. In her objection, she detailed incidents of campers entering her garden, verbal abuse, and even guests urinating on her hedges. Another resident, Stephen Havelock, argued the site has brought 'misery, noise and nuisance' to the quiet village and raised fire safety concerns due to the use of fire pits near dry gorse.
Objectors also criticised the campsite's social media for allegedly encouraging close interaction with the forest's free-roaming ponies and donkeys. Ms Sheriff has robustly disputed all these claims. She labels the objections as 'nimbyism' and part of a coordinated effort against her business.
In a statement for the appeal, she asserted that many claims are 'simply not true' and that her family, who have lived in the area for over 50 years, enjoys good relations with most neighbours. She pointed out that no planning enforcement action has ever been taken and argued some objections are copied from disputes about other sites miles away, proving an 'organised campaign'.
Measures and Millinery: The Owner's Defence
Ms Sheriff outlined the strict measures in place to prevent nuisance, including:
- Refusing group bookings.
- Employing a 24-hour warden team.
- Enforcing a 10.30pm curfew.
- Banning amplified music.
- Limiting campfires and using only kiln-dried logs to minimise smoke.
She argued that extending opening days would allow weekday bookings, which are typically quieter than weekends, potentially reducing disruption. 'We rely on repeat custom,' she said, 'so it is entirely against our interests to tolerate nuisance.'
Alongside the campsite, Ms Sheriff runs Vivien Sheriff Ltd, a luxury millinery business operating for 20 years from a converted farmhouse in Wiltshire. Her 'undeniably British' designs have been worn by the Duchess of Cambridge since Kate's first royal engagement in 2011 and by Pippa Middleton, with at least 50 guests at the royal wedding wearing her creations.
The planning appeal will now determine whether Harry's Field can expand its operation or if the neighbours' objections will curtail its growth.
