Plans for new homes on Overy Road at Burnham Market

West Norfolk Council's planning committee has been recommended to refuse proposals for two new properties on a former nursery in Overy Road, at Burnham Market.

A decision was deferred in February when a planning officer's report said the site was not suitable because the proposals would be "to the detriment of the countryside" and lead to the loss of part of the gap between the villages Burnham Market and Burnham Overy Town.

An agent acting for the developers, named in council papers as Mr and Mrs Smith, said: "Local people struggle to be able to afford homes in Burnham Market and with significant growth in second homes there are few opportunities for renting long term.

"The proposal is for two self-build properties and an agricultural barn which the applicant’s children will live in and the applicants will use respectively, as part of their farm."

Affordable properties are hard to find in Burnham Market (Image: Matthew Usher)

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It adds the family have lived in the area since the 1740s and the new houses would provide "much needed affordable accommodation for their family to continue to live and work in the area for years to come".

Eighty-one letters of support were received by West Norfolk council. One said: "Modest self-build homes will allow young people to stay in the area."

Toby Roy posted on the council's planning portal: "There is very little available in the Burnhams parishes, to buy or to rent, and we should be encouraging modest developments in the Burnhams like this for younger working people."

Lisa Gowen added: "There is a significant need for local people to have access to affordable housing. The applicants should be applauded for giving their children this opportunity."

West Norfolk's planning committee meets to discuss the application on Monday, April 8.