Twelve new affordable homes are set to rise from the ashes of a devastating fire that tore through a second homes honeypot on the Norfolk coast.

Freebridge Community Housing has been given planning permission for 12 new properties on the main A149 at Brancaster Staithe.

They will be built on the site of a terrace of four former council homes, which were awaiting demolition before a major fire broke out in the village during the July 2023 heatwave.

Eastern Daily Press: The rear of the terrace of homes, which has now been demolished to make way for new affordable propertiesThe rear of the terrace of homes, which has now been demolished to make way for new affordable properties (Image: Chris Bishop)They were among five houses destroyed in the blaze, which destroyed vehicles and gardens after it broke out near the village hall.

Villagers were evacuated from their homes, while water from swimming pools was used to bolster supplies as 80 firefighters battled to put out the flames.

In a planning statement, Freebridge said the site was already earmarked for development prior to the fire.

Eastern Daily Press: Picturesque Brancaster Staithe is a honeypot for second homes and holiday letsPicturesque Brancaster Staithe is a honeypot for second homes and holiday lets (Image: Matthew Usher)It adds: "The area is popular with tourists year-round and becomes very busy in the summer months which has led to many local properties becoming holiday lets."

Around 50pc of properties in Brancaster Staithe are second homes or holiday lets, driving prices beyond the reach of local people, while rented properties are also in short supply.

The new properties will consist of seven three-bed and four two-bed houses, along with a one-bed maisonette. 

The statement adds there will be eight more homes than previously existed on the site and all will be available for affordable rents.

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters tackle the devastating blaze at Brancaster StaitheFirefighters tackle the devastating blaze at Brancaster Staithe (Image: Chris Bishop)"The proposed development would provide the clear benefit of creating new affordable housing within Brancaster Staithe, available for local people," it says.

"The borough council has identified at least 20 households seeking affordable housing in this location and surrounding villages."

Brancaster Parish Council expressed concerns over parking being "squeezed in" at the development, after ongoing concerns over parking in the village during the summer months.