A close knit community is celebrating after controversial plans to build nine homes on a pocket of land in Great Yarmouth were refused.
Developers wanted to build nine homes on the site of a recently demolished bungalow on the corner of Anson Road and Lichfield Road in Southtown.
Neighbours were horrified at the plans, which they said would lead to parking chaos on the already congested narrow streets.
Now planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council have refused planning permission saying it would be an over development of the site and out of character and scale with surrounding homes.
David Abel, 64 and of Anson Road, had gathered over 150 signatures from neighbours for a petition against the plans and said he was delighted at the news.
MORE: Neighbours unite in effort to halt plans for building block of flats on their terraced streetHe added: 'I'd encourage anyone to think about a petition. I think it's good for community spirit even if it doesn't go your way, at least you have had a go.'
In a statement, planning officers said: 'The height and bulk of this four storey building on a prominent corner site would result in a development that would be over-dominant in the street scene which consists of mostly two-storey terraced houses.
'It is also considered that the building will have an adverse effect on light and outlook to the nearby dwellings and the windows to upper floor living rooms will result in overlooking and loss of privacy to the occupiers of those dwellings.'
A lack of on-street parking area was also listed as a reason for refusing the plans.
The flats plan was the latest in a string of five proposals for the site stretching back to 2006.
The landowner, Paul Snuggs, 30, was working with his dad on their first housing development.
He had previously submitted a plan for five town houses on the site, which was given approval last year, but submitted new proposals after assessing the finances and realising he would struggle to make a profit.
Speaking before the plans were refused, Mr Snuggs said: 'We tried to do it the best way possible and provide parking and not congest the road.
'The area has mainly terraced housing, so people may be apprehensive about apartments, but these days it's hard to get on the property ladder so these plans could help first time buyers.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here