A man and woman's dream of turning a former pigsty into a new home has hit a brick wall, as planners have declared the pen too cramped for conversion.

Mr Timms and Mrs Tibble, of Bremar Stud Farm on Porters Loke in Burgh Castle, were seeking permission to change the use of a barn and transform it into a house.

Planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council refused their application for prior approval.

They said the building was not suitable for conversion due to its low heights and there was  inadequate visibility at the proposed access from the main road.

READ MORE: Burgh Castle housing plans rejected by planning inspector

The site is part of a stud farm, with the surrounding fields used for the keeping of horses.

Burgh Castle Parish Council objected to the application raising concerns the site was "very close" to an area of special scientific interest.

They also said there were no services in that part of the village and access was "a great concern".

Norfolk County Council Highways opposed the proposal over concerns about adequate visibility at the site access.

The applicants have appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate - a government agency which can overturn decisions where it thinks councils have gone against planning law.