The owner of a north Norfolk tourist attraction said it was 'marvellous' that planners had agreed to allow his business an extra two years of trading today.

Davenport's Magic Kingdom in North Walsham was due to close in May this year, unless its drainage problems were sorted, but North Norfolk District Council agreed an extension to further monitor the site.

Officers had asked for a second drainage pond to be build to allow overspill of water from the Cromer Road site.

Nearby homeowners at Bradmore Farm to the south of the site had complained of flooding, and told planners at the district council's development committee meeting today that the latest was on August Bank Holiday Monday.

They said if the condition to build the reservoir was removed, they would 'hold the council fully responsible' and seek full compensation as they felt this could be avoided with the construction of the second reservoir.

While City Gate own the land, centre owner Roy Davenport said he was confident two years was enough time for the business to be in a situation to pay for the £100,000 pond.

'Our business is going from strength to strength but as we stand at the moment we simply cannot afford to buy the pond. That's why I was hoping for a couple more years.

'It is not an issue in the long term and I will be talking to everyone to sort it out.'

The district council planners highlighted the entertainment centre's contribution to the local economy, and its ability to draw visitors to north Norfolk.

They voted to allow Mr Davenport an extra two years, but also said they would write to site-owner City Gate to pressure it to take action.

Are you planning to change your business? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk