A controversial plan to build holiday lodges on parkland and woodland at a Norfolk hotel is being recommended for approval.

Eastern Daily Press: Nicholas Dickinson.Nicholas Dickinson. (Image: Submitted)

Congham Hall Hotel, near King's Lynn, wants to build the 11 lodges on land off Lynn Road next to the hotel, which is near Grimston.

The plans also include eight single-story cabins to the west of the hotel's existing herb garden, as well as improvements and extensions to its existing facilities, spa, garden and storage rooms.

The development will go before the planning committee of West Norfolk council on Monday and is being recommended for approval by planning officers, subject to a string of conditions.

However, the plans have split opinion among villagers, with some saying the scale of the cottages would ruin the parkland – while others are in support of the improvements.

Congham parish councillor Norman Grief said he was opposed to building in the open countryside and there are concerns about flooding and the impact on wildlife.

He said: 'You think of holiday chalets as smaller but these ones are as big as farmers' barns. You'll look across this lovely meadow and see these great monstrosities.'

One supporter told the council: 'It is wonderful to see the hotel being brought back to life by the current owners. These proposals will enhance the work which has already been done and improve the grounds which are still neglected in places.'

Nicholas Dickinson, managing director of Congham Hall Hotel, said the parkland and woodland holiday homes were the same size as two or three-bedroom homes but would be solely used as hotel accommodation, with the added benefit of having their own kitchen and private lounge.

He said: 'There would be 11 of these in a 30-acre site, which is about as low density as you can get.

'The parkland and woodland setting the hotel enjoys is the single most important commercial asset it has.'

'The protection of the parkland is more important to us than anyone else.'

He added that the move would bring the parkland and woodland back into the hotel's active management.

'We see it as bringing the parkland back to life,' he added.

The committee will meet at 9.30am on Monday, July 31, at King's Lynn Town Hall.