But at Middleton Hall Golf Club, the source of controversy is the ongoing saga over the clubhouse itself – or at least a huge, £380,000 marquee erected as an extension of the facilities.

The vast 30m by 10m tent was built to host functions at the club, near King’s Lynn.

But ever since it was erected, it has driven a wedge between the club and its neighbours who have complained about noise from the site and say the tent is ugly.

Their complaints teed off an almighty planning row.

Now, in the latest twist, the club’s owner has launched an appeal after planning permission was turned down for a second time.

The tent was originally intended to host functions, but six neighbours complained to West Norfolk Council about the noise from the events held there.

One said the marquee had caused “stress and health issues” and had “been a constant annoyance”.

After being refused planning permission, the club stopped using the marquee as a function room, moving events into the nearby clubhouse instead.

But when it applied to use the marquee as a replacement clubhouse, that too was turned down.

The marquee at Middleton Hall Golf Club, near King’s Lynn (Image: Dave Freeman)

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Golf club owner Dave Freeman says he plans to appeal the decision, saying the marquee was “an integral part” of the club’s business plan.

“We have invested in the club and enhanced it hugely,” he said. “The economic benefits for all parties are huge.”

But villager Julie Watkins said in response to the planning application: “I am not reassured that this will not have a negative impact on our lives as it has done for the past year and from my experience I believe that the noise will not be kept to a minimum.”

Alex Poupard, who also lives nearby, said: “The marquee itself is a pretty unpleasant sight being white plastic and in my view is not remotely sympathetic with either the golf clubhouse or Middleton Hall.”

The club said the PA system and dance floor were removed from the marquee four months ago, and there have been no complaints since it had been used as a clubhouse instead of a function suite.