Plans to demolish two barns and build five new houses on the coast have been shelved after concerns were raised they could become second homes.

A developer listed as care of Strata Architects in council planning papers applied for a 'small residential development' off Ringstead Road, at Thornham, earlier this year. 

They said the barns were unsightly and stood at the gateway to the village, while two of the five properties would be principal residences.

But the CPRE Norfolk countryside charity - formerly the Council for the Preservation of Rural England - objected.

It said: "There is already a high quantity of varied tourist accommodation available, and it is preferable to protect this source of accommodation rather than construct new holiday sites in the countryside.

"Besides, Thornham is known to have a high percentage of second homes which has a profound effect on the character of the village."

Eastern Daily Press: A high tide covers the harbour at ThornhamA high tide covers the harbour at Thornham (Image: Chris Bishop)

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Two neighbours also objected. Dawn Williamson said: "The infrastructure around us is already insufficient, this village has far too many second homes as it is, locals have been pushed out as the hike in prices are astronomical again due to the second home owners who can afford them, sadly not locals, it must be said there are many houses which are not in keeping with the village."

Robin Burt said he feared the properties would be beyond the reach of locals and would become second homes, adding: "I feel Thornham does not need such a development."

Thornham Parish Council also objected because the development was "not in keeping with the surrounding properties".

West Norfolk Council's planning portal says the plans have now been withdrawn.

Proposals for eight new homes on the same site were turned down in 2016.