Investigation launched into noisy parties at Goreston Airbnb

Guests at a large Airbnb complex at a converted seaside care home have prompted a string of complaints from locals, with reports of all-day drinking, late-night karaoke, outdoor discos, strippers and even topless hot-tub parties.

A screenshot of a post about Coral House on East Anglian Getaways' Facebook page. Picture - East Anglian Getaways (Image: East Anglian Getaways)Police have been called to the once-quiet seafront street on Gorleston cliffs seven times in recent months to deal with reports of antisocial behaviour, while the local council has launched an investigation following a litany of complaints about noise.

The holiday lets on the town's Avondale Road are on the site of the former Amber House care home, which closed in 2021.

68, 68A, 69 and 70 Avondale Road are all now holiday lets. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The first of the rental properties opened last year and there are now four available for guests: Amber House, Coral House, Pearl House and Ivory House.

The properties - with nightly prices ranging from £215 to £725 - have been listed on sites such as booking.com and Airbnb as "delightful coastal getaways".

The largest one, Amber, can host 20 guests and, in total, 58 people can stay at the site.

A screenshot of the Coral House listing with East Anglian Getaways. Picture - East Anglian Getaways (Image: East Anglian Getaways)Neighbours say the problems first surfaced in the spring and have continued ever since.

Christina Burgess, who lives on Springfield Road behind the four holiday homes, said: "It's a nightmare. There's been dogs barking constantly, hen parties, stag dos. We've even had to move my bedroom to get some peace and quiet. It can't go on.

"Guests are told not to make noise after 10pm, but when they are drunk by 3pm there's still constant noise throughout the day."

A still from a video highlighting the noise after 11pm at one of the holiday homes. Picture - submitted (Image: Submitted)She said she was sworn at by one guest after asking them to keep the noise down at around 1am and the following morning found empty wine bottles dumped in her back garden.

The path at the rear of the holiday homes where Ms Burgess said she was insulted by a guest. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Thomas Hill, who lives on Avondale Road, said the constant parties had forced him to look to move.

"I need to be away from people now," he said.

"There's been tenants completely off their face, smashing furniture up, strippers in full view, mobile discos.

A screenshot of Pearl House advertised on Airbnb.com. Picture - Airbnb (Image: Airbnb)"We heard someone at a hen party say 'make sure you eat these brownies before you drink, otherwise you'll pass out'. We had to close the windows at the height of summer because of the smell.

"It has caused a ridiculous amount of stress, and quite frankly we have been driven out of our own home."

A still from a video highlighting noise issues and a smoky barbecue after 11pm. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)One neighbour - who asked not to be named - said: "My son saw naked ladies at one of the parties and it affected him quite a bit."

Another added: "Everyone knows it is being used as a party house. Throughout summer, there were constantly big groups in, like hen parties, and they are still going on. There was another party this week.

"People are in the hot tubs until 2am. It's a residential area. It should never be used as an Airbnb.

"I can’t believe it’s gone as long as it has. It's been regular every weekend since springtime. The council needs to step up."

Guests seem aware of the tensions with neighbours. In online reviews, one wrote: "Think the local residents are not impressed with these rentals... First morning I opened the blind and the resident was stood by her car hands on hips glaring up at me."

Another wrote: "As a house for 20 people it's expected to be a little noisy on the weekends but we had a noise complaint at half past 8 when the quiet times stated 10pm to 8am.

"We then also had further knocks on the door regarding the noise levels which ruined our night slightly. We came inside the garden at 9pm, earlier then stated and turned all music down."

A third wrote: "The neighbours knocked and complained both nights we stayed... the first night we were in the hot tub."

A screenshot from East Anglian Getaways' Facebook page showing the hot tub at Coral House, Gorleston. Picture - East Anglian Getaways (Image: East Anglian Getaways)Glenn Walker, a property manager for East Anglian Getaways, said measures had been introduced to try to encourage guests to be respectful of neighbours.

"The properties are to encourage people from all around the country to come visit the lovely area of Gorleston.

"They are there for people to enjoy holidays in coastal areas. They are not advertised as party houses.

"If people have birthday and anniversary celebrations, that's what people do on holiday.

"We have set quiet hours for the property. Between 10pm and 8am, we ask our tenants to have quiet hours, keep the noise down, and not play music outside.

"And when guests check-in, they are given notification about keeping to house rules, such as noise levels and respecting nearby residents."

Avondale Road, Gorleston. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mr Walker said he had spoken with several neighbours about the extra measures put in place and has given his contact details to them, so they can highlight any issues.

He said: "If people feel some of the customers might be a little bit noisy, I then send round my staff to politely ask the customers to keep the noise down.

"We've done a hell of a lot and taken a lot of measures to ensure this is managed in the correct manner."

Paul Wells, portfolio holder for the Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste at Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Picture - GYBC (Image: GYBC)

Councillor Paul Wells said Great Yarmouth Borough Council was investigating the complaints.

“We are currently working with the complainants and the owners of the premises to resolve the problem," he said.

Norfolk Constabulary said it was in contact with the council's environmental health team and neighbours about the issues.

It said it had received seven reports, between June and September, "predominantly related to noise complaints".

The holiday homes at 68, 68A, 69 and 70 Avondale Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Avondale Road, Gorleston. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)