Heacham holiday homes bid rejected by councillors

Plans to build new holiday accommodation at a West Norfolk farm were thrown out by councillors.

Mel-Able Farming Ltd had sought permission for seven holiday homes at Church Farm Road, Heacham.

Six were planned following the demolition of existing derelict buildings, with one further property to be formed by conversion.

The land is accessed via the B1454 between Heacham and Sedgeford.

But, despite officials advising approval, members voted 10 to four against the application during a West Norfolk Council planning committee meeting on Monday.

Ward councillor and committee member Terry Parish said he had been surprised that the application had got to committee at all, because of the strong objections of the Norfolk Coast Partnership.

Jo Rust proposed refusal of the application, a move seconded by Francis Bone, on the grounds that it would harm the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty.

Concerns were also raised about safety implications for visitors occupying properties on a working farm.

But Tony Bubb said he welcomed new accommodation to replace operators which had ceased to trade in the area.