A farm owned by a leading councillor which has diversified into leisure and tourism has been given the go-ahead for five new "safari lodges".

Norfolk County Council's deputy leader Andrew Jamieson has been given planning permission for extra accommodation at Drove Orchards at Thornham, near Hunstanton.

The site, which already boasts 11 lodges, is home to 30 businesses which employ 60 full and 40 part-time staff.

One of the existing lodges at Drove OrchardsOne of the existing lodges at Drove Orchards (Image: Ian Burt)

A planning statement said the new feature would have "a positive effect on the other businesses trading at Drove Orchards, as well as those further afield".  

Traders wrote in support of the plan, with one saying it would attract more visitors during the winter.

A planning officer's report said: "The proposal demonstrates a high standard of design in terms of layout, screening and landscaping ensuring minimal adverse impact on visual amenity and the natural environmental qualities of the surrounding landscape and surroundings."