Second homes and holiday lets are "sucking the character" out of Norfolk villages, councillors were told.

Despite that, they approved seven more on a farm on the outskirts of a village whose neighbourhood plan states new properties have to be primary residences.

Councillors were recommended to approve plans for seven new one and two bed units at Church Farm, off the B1454 near Norfolk Lavender by developer Mel-Able farming. 

The development was opposed by Heacham Parish Council, which last year published a landmark neighbourhood plan, stipulating all new homes in the village had to be primary residences.

Today Paul Rawlinson, on behalf of the parish, said: "A number of Norfolk villages have had the character sucked out of them with second homes and holiday lets."

He added they created "butterfly communities" which skewed the housing market, which was why the parish had added the primary residence condition to its plan.

The condition must be taken into account by West Norfolk council when it considers planning applications.

READ MORE: Could second homes be blocked on new Heacham estate?

An earlier application for the same site was turned down because of the proximity of the holiday lets to farming operations.

Jamie Childs, a solicitor specialising in planning law, said these had been addressed.

He added the proposals complied with the borough council's policies, would bring economic benefit and be an efficient and appropriate use of dilapidated buildings.

Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds said she supported the development because tourism provided jobs.

Fellow committee member Terry Parrish said Heacham had 2,800 caravans, 100 holiday homes along its beaches and a significant number in the village, which is why villagers are opposed to more. 

Jo Rust questioned what benefits the proposals would bring.

But councillors voted 10 in favour, with five objections and one abstention.