The owner of a newly-opened Pilates studio claims she has “not been given a chance” by complaining neighbours as she awaits planning permission.

Megan Smith, 24, believes that those who have objected to her North Wootton reformer Pilates centre, Luco Wellness, “have caused a fuss” over parking and other matters.

Ms Smith has applied to West Norfolk Council for retrospective permission to change the use of a swimming pool hut into a pilates studio at Linnymead on Manor Road. The scheme has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

Luco Wellness has already been open for two months without planning approval, seeing a total of 232 people sign up for updates about classes – which Ms Smith says can help with “rehabilitation, improving flexibility, or achieving a leaner physique”.

The studio is located at the back of Ms Smith’s grandparents’ property, alongside Luco Nourish, an on-site cafe which offers “takeaway organic matchas, coffees and açai bowls”.

Classes last for 45 minutes, hosting five people at a time. Ms Smith says she teaches up to 15 classes a week, the earliest starting at 7am and the last finishing by 8pm.

A number of objections have been made via the planning portal, with many expressing concerns over parking, the number of classes and hours of operations.

However, Ms Smith, a former Springwood High School student who worked as a personal trainer in Dubai, has defended her business, saying that she did not want to upset any of the neighbours and that Luco Wellness will be “low-key and very quiet”.

She and her grandparents, Bernie and Gina Smith, have spent a total of £30,000 on the business.

“We will comply with any restrictions that are put in place, and I’m not against any of that,” she said.

“It is the fact that they (the neighbours and those against the plans) caused all this fuss, but they have not even given it a chance.

“I’m happy that I have brought it to Norfolk. It was my first choice of a place to bring it to, as I know the area and have been here my whole life.”

The main concerns raised about Ms Smith’s business involve parking.

One resident who has objected, David Silk, said: “There have already been instances of potential danger from collisions as vehicles reverse out of the driveway of Linnymead onto Manor Road.

“The parking problems have arisen at a time when the business has started trading before planning permission has been granted.

“This matter is only going to get worse. In my opinion, the borough planning department has a duty on safety grounds not to support this application.”

However, a report conducted by Norfolk County Council’s highways department says that customer parking is “workable”.

“The parking allocation across the site is tight with regards to its layout, but we believe it to be workable as the studio element would be tidal and operate under a one-way system with booking,” the report says.

“Therefore, on that basis of the above, we believe it would be difficult to substantiate an objection on highway safety grounds, subject to a booking system with a maximum of five attendees being allowed together.”

Another objector argues the business model is “not consistent with what a reasonable person would consider a small Pilates studio”.

“Instead, it represents a destination wellness and hospitality business, with significantly higher footfall, traffic, and intensity of use,” they said.

Ms Smith said additional spa facilities she originally had planned will no longer be included.

Another person against the scheme said: “While I appreciate that the business aims to operate responsibly, the reality for neighbouring residents has not reflected the smooth and unobtrusive picture you describe.

“The increase in traffic, visitor turnover, and general activity at the property has had an impact on the surrounding area, regardless of the class sizes or parking arrangements you’ve noted.”

One more said the business is advertising “hen parties and corporate days”, suggesting it could cause more noise than touted.

Ms Smith added that she has already paid £1,000 for an acoustics test, which determined that noise levels are okay too.

“There have been no issues with noise, parking or anything like that. It is just so negative,” she said.

“Luco has been open for two months now, and there have not been any problems. It’s not like I’m going to get busier as I’m already fully booked.”

Ms Smith said she saw a “gap in the market” for her studio as there was nothing similar to it before.

“It was when I was out in Dubai, I would come home, and I used to have nothing to do like that here,” she said.

“I used to love it in Dubai, and there was nothing like it around here.”

Megan’s grandad, Bernie Smith, added: “We are very happy to support Megan and we’re so proud of her as she’s doing something she is so passionate about.”

Following a meeting this week, North Wootton Parish Council said it would also support Ms Smith’s application.

There have been nearly 50 comments on the application – both positive and negative.

A decision is set to be made by the borough council’s planning committee on Monday.