Plans to turn a village pub into homes have been turned down after a spate of objections.

Agent Brian Rutterford applied on behalf of the owners to convert The Chequers at Feltwell into three two-bed properties.

But the proposals have been turned down by West Norfolk council because they would "result in the loss of an employment site and community facility".

Their decision notice adds: "The application as submitted fails to clearly demonstrate that the continued use as a public house or alternative community or employment use is unviable.

"Insufficient financial information has been submitted and the property has not been adequately and suitably marketed as a public house or other alternative uses which would benefit the community."

A planning report says that the council received 53 objections and two letters of support for the plans.

One objector said: "This is needed as a pub. The other pub in the village, the Wellington, is always very busy. It is a large village and could support a second pub."

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The Campaign for Pubs, which also objected, said Feltwell was "a thriving community with sufficient population to support two public houses".

"Pubs play a vital role in small communities," it added. "They establish a community spirit and a source of information and assistance for residents, while also helping to reduce mental health issues related to loneliness and isolation."

In a planning statement, Mr Rutterford said: "The pub has been owned by the current owner for the last 10 years, having various landlords trying to make a profitable business and being unsuccessful, closing in 2017.

"It is a well-known fact the use of public houses has changed with drinkers drinking at home due to the cost, this village originally had in excess of eight pubs of which seven are now closed."