A developer wanting to build a two-bed home in a cul-de-sac has lost their battle to get permission to start building after falling foul of pollution laws.

The small house was the final property building firm H.C. Moss hoped to build on land in Fakenham off Garden Court.

It was to be constructed on a small parcel of land that was left over from the initial development of 10 houses, which was approved by North Norfolk District Council a decade ago. 

It was the third attempt to get permission after the previous two attempts were withdrawn and refused.

Eastern Daily Press: The North Norfolk District Council offices in CromerThe North Norfolk District Council offices in Cromer (Image: Newsquest)

The bid drew the ire of the local community who voiced their "grave concerns" to the council, which focused on fears that it would block out the light of the surrounding homes as well as result in the loss of two cherry trees.

"Our quality of life would be hugely affected by such repercussions," warned one neighbour. 

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NNDC officers chose to block the new build in 2022 for a number of reasons, which included concerns it would be too cramped and affect the neighbours.

Eastern Daily Press: The entrance to Garden Court in 2008 while the homes were being builtThe entrance to Garden Court in 2008 while the homes were being built (Image: Google)

But another major issue was that it would compromise nutrient neutrality laws - rules which aim to limit the effect of pollution from house building upon the environment - as the developer did not identify any mitigation measures.

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Last summer, H C Moss took their fight to the Planning Inspectorate, the government body that presides over planning appeals.

Eastern Daily Press: The design of the proposed homeThe design of the proposed home (Image: NNDC)READ MORE: Locals angry at 'failed policies' over controversial former hospital revamp

An agent for the firm argued the neighbours' concerns were unjustified and that the new home would provide much-needed accommodation in the district.

And they also claimed the environmental impact would be "negligible" as it is only a small home.

Eastern Daily Press: The plot where the home would have been builtThe plot where the home would have been built (Image: Google)

In the inspector's judgement, it was decided that while it would help provide a new home, the conflict with nutrient neutrality laws gave justification for the refusal.

They also agreed that the new build would cut out the light to neighbour's properties.