Plans for eight new homes have been turned down after villagers objected.

Fenland council has turned down plans to develop paddocks off Fridaybridge Road and The Stitch at Elm, near Wisbech.

Some 68 letters of objection were received on grounds including over-development and lack of infrastructure in the village.

Local councillor Dal Roy warned of "strong feeling" against the application.

"This proposed development will sit behind existing homes from which residents have enjoyed views of the natural landscape for many years, as well as the preservation of the natural habitat of wildlife," he said.

READ MORE: Del Monte set for major expansion of Wisbech site

A planning statement said Number 7, The Stitch, would be demolished to form an entrance to the site.

It added: "The aims of this scheme are to provide an exemplar approach to residential dwelling design using high thermal efficiency timber frame construction, and to provide an enhanced site landscaping zone in front of the existing rear gardens to the south of the site."

But a planning officer's report described it as "an unacceptable encroachment into the countryside".