Plans for homes near Reepham have been refused by council

The applicant, Mr Walker, hoped to build three barn-styled homes in a field off Kerdiston Road, Kerdiston, with three bedrooms each.

The hamlet, which is located two miles from Reepham, is described as having a "verdant setting" with no defined settlement pattern and with sporadic small houses along the road. 

The plans were met with objections from neighbours, who believed the development would impede on the countryside, with some saying the design did not "sit nicely with the surrounding houses". 

One neighbour, who is an avid ornithologist and nature enthusiast, was concerned the development would also lead to more houses being built in the area.

Mr Walker hoped to build the homes off Kerdiston Road (Image: Google Maps) They said: "This piecemeal development strategy would radically alter the character of Kerdiston, effectively transforming it into a housing estate."

Another agreed, saying: "I get the modern twist on a barn but these are too big and frankly look more suited to a housing estate, not a rural location with the surrounding houses being of a cottage style."

The area is also home to various animals, including amphibians, bats, deer, numerous bird species, and wildflowers such as orchids, according to one of the locals, who said the disturbance to the land would be "devastating".

The homes would be built with a barn-style design (Image: Agora Architects) Another said: "Although I realise the need for more homes, my concern is how many more houses are going to be allowed to be built in this rural area, which is already becoming rapidly depleted of its wildlife and biodiversity."

They added: "Kerdiston will just become part of Reepham before long."

Broadland District Council sided with the neighbours, saying the plans would result in "encroachment into the open countryside and cause unacceptable urbanisation of the area".