A decision to reject plans for holiday lets at the site of a Broads hotel which burned down more than 30 years ago has gone to appeal.

Proposals to redevelop the Old Bridge Hotel site, near Potter Heigham, were rejected by the Broads Authority in June last year.

Applicant Nick Mackmin had sought permission for eight one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats for holiday use, along with a restaurant and covered car park.

The Environment Agency had objected due to, the flood risk, while Historic England expressed concern over the possible impact on Potter Heigham bridge, which dates to the 14th century.

Members of the Broads Authority's planning committee rejected the proposals for the site, at The Causeway at Repps With Bastwick, by nine votes to two.

The application was rejected because it was within a flood zone, there was insufficient information about the impact on the Grade II* listed Potter Heigham Bridge and because "significant trees" would be lost.

Mr Mackmin appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over that decision and the appeals process is now under way.

It will be dealt with through written representations, with the applicant, the Broads Authority and interested parties who made representations leading up to the planning decision invited to contribute.

In their submission, Mr Mackmin's agents say the Broads Authority "failed to assess the material considerations relating to flooding correctly".

The agents said the committee did grant permission for Ludham Bridge Stores and Wayfarers cafe to be demolished to make way for a replacement building, including three holiday lets.

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They say that scheme, next to Ludham Bridge, has similarities with the Old Bridge Hotel site plans.

And they said the new building would not negatively affect Potter Heigham bridge or its setting but would "actively restore the only known historical land use of the appeal site".

A planning inspector will weigh up all the evidence submitted before deciding whether to permit the appeal or not.

The Old Bridge Hotel, by the River Thurne, was a landmark in the Broads until it burned down in 1991.

Two years after that, permission was granted for a replacement building. But work to build it never occurred and, in recent years, it has been used as a car park.