Plans for two new homes on a vacant village site have been turned down over wildlife fears.

Dr Sheehan Biswas applied for permission for two new four-bedroom properties on the A1122 Downham Road in Nordelph, near Downham Market.

But while the design of the homes was described as acceptable, West Norfolk Council's decision notice states: "The applicant has failed to demonstrate, through the lack of sufficient evidence, whether protected species are present on the application site and that any harm or disturbance can be adequately mitigated."

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Eastern Daily Press: An image from 2016 shows the property which previously stood on the siteAn image from 2016 shows the property which previously stood on the site (Image: Google)

The council's ecology officer said the site had "potential to offer opportunities to protected species", such as for bats.

A planning officer's report said the site was originally home to a two-storey property which was demolished between 2018 and 2021.

It added: "The sensitive infilling of this small gap within two new dwellings would help re-establish a key frontage."