Controversial plans for 10 caravan pitches for travellers and gypsies in a Norfolk village have been rejected.

There had been 120 objections to the proposals, for land off Station Road in West Dereham, near Downham Market, with former prime minister Liz Truss among them.

Applicant H Rody had asked West Norfolk Borough Council for permission to create the pitches, with each plot containing one static home and touring caravan.

It comes at a time when the council has a legal obligation to find sites for 71 pitches in the next five years and 97 by 2040, under government requirements.

But the plans quickly ran into opposition, including from West Dereham Parish Council.

The council, in the objection it lodged with the borough council, said the number of objections against it represented more than 50pc of the number of homes in West Dereham.

Concerns raised included that the proposals were against the local plan, would have an adverse visual impact on the area, would lead to increased traffic, put pressure on local services, such as schools and could cause flooding.

And planning officers at West Norfolk Borough Council used delegated powers to turn down the proposals.

Among the reasons given for refusal were that the development would "significantly detract from the appearance and character of this rural locality".

Officers said: "It would appear unduly prominent, intense and incongruous and cause harm to the environment."

Other reasons for rejection were that the site, in open countryside, was "some distance" from services such as schools and GPs and that the site suffered from surface water drainage issues, with no strategy to address that.

READ MORE: King's Lynn Pullover roundabout revamp bid put on ice

Eastern Daily Press: Liz TrussLiz Truss (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ms Truss, South West Norfolk MP, who had campaigned against the plans, said she was pleased the scheme had been turned down.

She said: "I am delighted the campaign has been successful. This is great news for residents and businesses in West Dereham.

"The site was deeply unsuitable for use as a travellers' site with potential threats to public safety and the local wildlife. I am glad the borough council has seen sense."