Proposals for up to 75 houses in Blofield have been unanimously rejected due to concerns that services would not cope with extra residents.

Developer Generator Group LLP initially submitted plans for up to 105 houses at Garden Farm, to the south of Yarmouth Road and north of Lingwood Road, but these were later revised to seek permission for up to 75 homes.

And Broadland District Council's planning committee yesterday refused to back the application.

The outcome was influenced by last month's Planning Inspectorate decision to grant permission for up to 175 houses on land on the north side of Yarmouth Road, in Blofield, known as Manor Park.

Broadland had previously refused to approve proposals for this site.

The planning committee heard the Manor Park decision had 'shattered' the number of houses Broadland believed would be built in Blofield from now until 2026, which had been put at 50.

Blofield Surgery noted during the consultation on the Garden Farm application: 'We do not think that the infrastructure of the village, including the GP surgery, could cope with the additional influx of patients that would inevitably arise if these houses are built.'

And Rob Christie, of Blofield Parish Council, said parishioners had voiced their 'unanimous' opposition at meetings about the Garden Farm project.

Planning agent James Bompas, on behalf of Generator Group LLP, had said they believed Blofield was a sustainable location for development, with consultation showing there was a desire for more affordable homes, which the application offered.

But Andrew Proctor, council leader and Brundall ward member, said it would be a 'disaster' if Garden Farm and other housing developments were approved following the Manor Park ruling.

Mr Proctor said: 'It was never intended Blofield would take such a high level of development so why should we be going down that route now?'