Plans to build 16 homes in a village near Dereham, which attracted a significant level of opposition, have been refused planning permission.

Breckland Council had received 45 letters from members of the public over the proposals from applicant Michael Nunn to build the homes on land north of Dereham Road, Mattishall.

Forty three of the letters were from people objecting to the plans.

Mattishall Parish Council had also expressed opposition.

There were concerns over highways safety, that local schools and doctor's surgeries are oversubscribed, flooding, impact on wildlife, traffic and that the development was not in keeping with the village, is outside the development boundary as well as the fact that there are other housing proposals for Mattishall being considered.

Councillors voted in line with case officer Matt Ellis's recommendation in refusing the application.