Plans to build holiday cabins in part of a deer park have been rejected over fears the buildings would look "ugly" and out of place in the surrounding countryside.

Stanton Farms hoped to build the accommodation at Park Farm in Snettisham near King's Lynn.

But despite recommendations for approval, West Norfolk Council officials dismissed the plans unanimously with one councillor also attacking the "lack of respect" shown by the developers to the site's neighbour.

Eastern Daily Press: Plans would have seen the holiday cabins built in part of the deer park in Snettisham near to the pond east of St Thomas LanePlans would have seen the holiday cabins built in part of the deer park in Snettisham near to the pond east of St Thomas Lane (Image: Google)

The planning committee heard an impassioned plea from the neighbour Timothy Arthur, who explained how important the natural space had been to his family's wellbeing.

He complained Park Farm had not spoken with him about the plans and his attempts to ask questions were dismissed.

In response, Councillor Simon Ring said: "To be treated in this way with no consultation or respect is appalling. 

"The applicant should be treating neighbours with a great deal more respect than this."

Principle Planning, a consultancy firm representing Stanton Farms for the application, declined to comment.

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Eastern Daily Press: Red deer take a dip at the Snettisham deer parkRed deer take a dip at the Snettisham deer park (Image: Chris Bishop)

The Stanton family has owned the farm since 1982 which has grown to become a tourist attraction offering safari rides through its deer park.

Councillors acknowledged the importance of farmers being allowed to broaden their income stream through tourism ventures.

But they deemed the designs of the cabins went against the National Planning Policy Framework, due to not respecting the "characteristics of the countryside."

Members of the committee described them as "ugly" and "totally inappropriate" for the setting.

Councillor Alun Ryves said it would use up "valuable countryside" in a way that was of no benefit to the local community.

Snettisham Parish Council also objected to the plans due to fears it would lead to increased traffic in the area and that it would "compromise the amenity" of the nearby Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.