Proposals to build 75 houses at the former home of Norfolk cricket have been refused by councillors today.

Norwich City Council's planning committee voted 11 votes to one in favour of refusal of plans for land off Carshalton Road, Lakenham.

Applicant Serruys Property Company (SPC) had also proposed a football pitch, allotments and a children's playground.

They insisted they would be making private land, which has been closed since 2007, open to the public again.

But following a series of speeches from neighbours opposing the plan, the committee refused the application.

Council officers will draw up a list of reasons for the refusal.

They include the loss of the Colman family-built pavilion and lack of open space being offered off-site to compensate for the loss of open space.

SPC had agreed to a council request to provide £80,000 for improvements and maintenance of tennis courts at Lakenham recreation ground.

For more on this story and reaction, see tomorrow's papers.