Plans to turn a caravan into a retreat for carers have caused a commotion in a Norfolk village amid suspicions of the motive behind the bid.

Absolute Specialists, a company based in Huddersfield is currently attempting to use the site, known as The Orchard in Bradfield, for overnight stays.

It says the static caravan near Fakenham will be used as a holiday let offered to care professionals for up to 84 days a year as well as overnight accommodation for the site operator for 66 days a year.

The site in Bradfield Common off Common Road, near North WalshamThe site in Bradfield, off Common Road, near North Walsham (Image: Google) It hopes people suffering from "anxiety, exhaustion and burnout" can find refuge at the retreat.

However, locals have complained the owner has already been living at the site and the caravan was being advertised for holiday stays.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) had considered taking enforcement action against Absolute Specialists but instead decided to delay this to allow for the company to apply to change the use of the agricultural land.

The owner has proposed installing wooden cladding around the caravan The owner has proposed installing wooden cladding around the caravan (Image: NNDC) More than 30 people have since written to the council objecting to the plans, with several people questioning whether the bid is actually a ruse to get permission for the caravan owner to live there.

Oliver Ashford, of One Planning Consultants, wrote on behalf of the neighbouring Lincoln Cottage.

He said: "Our client believes that the applicant’s approach is an attempt to gain residential and holiday use on the land."

The Orchard is considered agricultural landThe Orchard is considered agricultural land (Image: NNDC)

Others worried about the increased traffic it would bring to the village.

One objector said: "Why would anyone visiting a horrid old caravan in a paddock with nothing there not want to visit the local beaches and other places of interest?"

The application was refused by NNDC and now the firm, run by Isabel Waters, has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over planning disputes.

It insists it will not be used for residential or holiday accommodation, instead saying it would be a "retreat centre" and has promised to keep a log of overnight stays for inspection.

The official will make a final verdict on the matter in the coming months.