A "New Age Traveller" has applied for permission to live in a south Norfolk village permanently.

Nicola Stickells and her children have been living on a plot of land at Needham, near Harleston, since 2014 having been granted permission to live there on a temporary basis.

Now she has submitted an application to South Norfolk Council seeking permission to stay at the site permanently.

The applicant said: "I have lived as a New Age Traveller for nearly forty years and all of my children’s lives.

"Before moving to this plot ten years ago we were based in the South Norfolk and Waveney Valley area since the early 2000s to maintain contact with the children’s father and family.

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"We moved between tolerated encampments including those at Wymondham, Hethel, Denton, Weybread, Earsham and Ellough.

"Since moving to our own secure plot, the children were able to complete their education at school and college and one is studying for a degree at UEA."

To view or comment on the application search reference 2024/1053 in South Norfolk's planning portal.

Eastern Daily Press: The site is in a half-acre field between two residential propertiesThe site is in a half-acre field between two residential properties (Image: South Norfolk District Council)