A dozen historic barns in Briston to be turned into housing

Locals living in Briston attempted to block plans to turn the 12 structures on Manor Farm into houses after worrying about the effect it would have on the community.

A developer hopes to convert the properties into 11 homes comprised of a mixture of three and four-bed homes.

An artist's impression of what the barns will look like following the revamp of Manor Farm's buildings (Image: Liv Architects) READ MORE: Go-ahead for 10-bed 'party house' critics say will 'kill' the WI

The Grade II listed Manor Farm was sold to its current owners following the death of Richard Waddingham, a farmer and conservationist, in 2020.

An agent for the applicant told members of the North Norfolk District Council at a development committee meeting this week that the buildings have become redundant and are no longer used for agriculture.

Instead, they will be converted into sustainable homes that are "environmentally conscious," according to Sasha Edmunds, the agent.

But the parish council, backed by other villagers objected to the plans.

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The Manor Farm in Briston is in Fakenham Road - a busy road known for fast-flowing traffic (Image: Google)

Briston is one of the largest villages in north Norfolk, situated between Fakenham and Holt.

But it is struggling with overdevelopment, locals say, and many worry about the fast traffic that comes through it via Fakenham Road.

Dr Andrew Fletcher, a district councillor, spoke on behalf of concerned villagers at the meeting.

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He said the primary school is already full in the village and that the nearby GP surgery in Melton Constable was already struggling to cope with the demand for its services.

What one of the revamped barns could look like (Image: Liv Architects)

"Children are already being sent elsewhere. It will mean the traffic issue will worsen. It will be perilous for pedestrians.

"There is no benefit to the village at all."

There are also concerns that the houses will be bought as second homes while others were frustrated that no affordable homes will be offered.

However, when it came to the vote, eight councillors saw the merit of the scheme, with one voting against and five abstaining.