A construction firm has failed to win a reprieve over a Norfolk council's enforcement action after it got in trouble for crushing concrete on farmland.

Denny's Construction has been told it has just four months to stop using land off the A148 in East Beckham, near Sheringham, to store rubble and machinery.

It follows the firm being reprimanded for using agricultural land for the activity without the correct permission and also for creating a gravel track and earth bund.

The site off the A148 near Sheringham, where the concrete crushing took placeThe site off the A148 near Sheringham, where the concrete crushing took place (Image: Google)

The row began in January 2023, after the council received a complaint, which later led to an enforcement notice being issued, telling the company to cease the concrete crushing.

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The actions were particularly contentious due to the site being near an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - a designated area that has stricter planning rules.

The dispute also led Hilltop Outdoor Centre, located to the north of the site, to object to the council.

Machinery and mounds of rubble at the site in 2022Machinery and mounds of rubble at the site in 2022 (Image: NNDC)

It complied with the order but the firm appealed against some aspects of the enforcement notice to the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over planning disputes.

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Denny's Construction hoped to be granted a year to remove the equipment and concrete, saying this would give it enough time to recycle the materials sustainably.

Gravel tracks and mounds of rubble at the siteGravel tracks and mounds of rubble at the site (Image: NNDC)

It also said a livestock farmer, who intended to use the land subsequently wanted to keep the gravel track and bund, which it hoped would help prevent the grass being damaged by machinery.

The farmer also said that the raised earth would disguise his equipment, offering a security measure that would "deter vandals looking to cause damage or set hay/straw on fire."

The entrance to Denny's Construction's site near SheringhamThe entrance to Denny's Construction's site near Sheringham (Image: NNDC)

The Planning Inspectorate has issued its ruling this week, deciding to uphold the enforcement notice.

However, Denny's Construction has been granted a small reprieve, after the official extended the length of time it has to comply with the enforcement notice by just two months.

The firm now has six months to remove the earth bund, gravel track and machinery from the field. 

Denny's Construction did not wish to comment following the decision.