The owner of a crumbling cliff-top caravan park in Happisburgh has vowed to appeal a council decision to refuse an application to move the business inland away from coastal erosion

The owner of Manor Caravan Park Chris Lomax, 52, said councillors had made an unfair, unjust and terminal decision for the village's future.

He said: 'I think it was a short-sighted decision. How can we possibly have managed retreat and a changing coast line without changing our villages.

'They want Happisburgh to go away. Don't come to Happisburgh because it is not going to be replaced.'

But amid objections from English Heritage and surrounding homeowners as well as its proximity to a conservation area, the application was refused.

North Norfolk District Councillors suggested the owner find an alternative site where the caravans would be less visible from the nearby lighthouse and church.

At the planning meeting nearby residents spoke out against the site, which has been in the village for 50 years.

Steven Burke, who lives close by, said the application was for the wrong site.

He said: 'Because the site is next to the school, it also raises real concerns about child safeguarding.

'Ultimately the best safeguard for the future of both the caravan park and the village would be better coastal defences for Happisburgh.'

Mr Lomax was able to apply for planning permission for a new site under the EN12 policy, which allows homes and businesses affected by coastal erosion to apply for a similar site inland.