A small holiday cottage will not be allowed to be converted into a home after government officials blocked the plans. 

A Little Plumstead holiday let owner has been locked in a battle with Broadland Council to turn a two-bedroom cottage into a house for almost three years. 

Farthing Cottage - which is described as being a “modest, chalet style” building - sits on the edge of the village, on Honeycombe Road, opposite the Brick Kilns pub. 

When the owner tried to get planning permission to convert the property into a permanent home in early 2021, they were ultimately rejected by Broadland District Council (BDC). 

Eastern Daily Press: Broadland District Council rejected the plan in 2022Broadland District Council rejected the plan in 2022 (Image: George Thompson, LDR)

The owner then took the fight to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which has the power to overturn the authority’s decision.   

Now an inspector, Nick Bowden, has sided with BDC and rejected the change of use. 

Mr Bowden argues the property is not in a sustainable location for a home, with no shops in the area. 

In a report, he said: “I note the health conditions and personal situation of the appellant. In these circumstances, and in addition to managing the accommodation with inflationary cost pressures, I can sympathise with the position.  

“However, the submitted financial data indicates the premise is viable as a small-scale operation, albeit on tight margins. 

“The site is not in a sustainable location. It is distant from shops and services that would be meaningful on a daily basis with minimal public transport provision in reasonable proximity, excepting for an infrequent bus service.” 

Mr Bowden accepted the property, which was first built in 2012, would see an increase in permanent homes in the area, which is currently facing a shortfall, but said it does not outweigh the loss of holiday accommodation. 

He added: “There are no other material considerations before me that outweigh the harm I have identified.”