The owners of a stately home have won an 18-month planning dispute after their hope of rebuilding a dilapidated cottage left a Norfolk council rather displeased.

Charles and Lynda Tucker - who live at Hindringham Hall near Fakenham - hoped to bulldoze the 19th-century property that sits within their grounds.

The couple say it was in desperate need of repair for it to continue to be used as a holiday let.

Hindringham Hall, known for its moated manor house and gardens, has become a destination for visitors in recent years.

Banes Cottage was built in the 19th century and was home to tenant farmersBanes Cottage was built in the 19th century and was home to tenant farmers (Image: NNDC)

However, due to the building being within the grounds of the Grade II listed hall, North Norfolk District Council officers feared this could harm the character of the historic venue.

Historic England also wrote to the authority about its own concerns for the heritage of the site.

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Charles and Lynda Tucker of Hindringham HallCharles and Lynda Tucker of Hindringham Hall (Image: Newsquest)

The plans to build a two-storey home were refused by NNDC in March 2023, with officers deciding the proposal would harm the conservation area.

But Mr Tucker, who has spent more than 30 years lovingly tending to the upkeep of the hall and grounds with his wife Lynda, refused to take no for an answer and appealed to government officials to overturn the decision.

He insisted that the rebuilt cottage would be sympathetic to the character of the hall and argued that in its current state, renovations would be too expensive.

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Hindringham Hall sits between Fakenham and Holt in north NorfolkHindringham Hall sits between Fakenham and Holt in north Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

In addition, he said the improved structure would create jobs and boost the local economy.

His appeal was bolstered by a letter of support from Historic Houses, which helps owners of stately homes, arguing the new cottage would "complement the setting of Hindringham Hall and support its future sustainability as a family home."

After deliberation, the Planning Inspectorate saw merit in Mr Tucker's case and ruled in favour of him, deciding the benefits outweighed the harm the demolition would cause to the heritage asset. 

Mr Tucker now has permission to bulldoze the cottage, which was formerly the home of tenant farmers.