Proposed plans to convert a former barn to a home, featuring structures to house a range of wildlife, has been refused by the council.

Plans to convert a former agricultural barn to a four-bed home in land on the city outskirts, off Keswick Hall Road, were submitted to South Norfolk and Broadland District Council in December last year.

Included in the proposed barn's conversion was the erection of three structures "related to animal welfare" for emus, wallabies and goats.

There were also plans to alter the site's roof, add a single storey extension and change the use of land.

Proposed plans for the barn conversionProposed plans for the barn conversion (Image: Submitted)

However the council recently refused the plans, citing concerns around how the changes and erection of a new building would harm the character of the area.

In its decision the council said: "The alterations, extensions, new gates and large curtilage would detract from the character and appearance of the building and local landscape.

READ MORE: Premises of popular business on The Lanes up for sale

"The introduction a large extension, porch and dormer windows would erode the rural character of the barn and give it a more domestic character, which would be out of keeping with the character of the original barn.

The project was for proposed for land off Keswick Hall Road on the outskirts of the cityThe project was proposed for land off Keswick Hall Road on the outskirts of the city (Image: Google Maps)

"The proposed extension and alterations to the building, such as the wall and gates, would result in harm to the local landscape."

READ MORE: Community centre back from brink after cash injection

There were also concerns that the project was "located remotely from the development boundary for Keswick" and that "a financial contribution towards affordable
housing has not been secured".

This meant it didn't comply with policies related to the Greater Norwich Local Plan, a project which aims to unlock up to 45,000 new homes by 2038.

Should they wish, the barn's applicant can submit an appeal within six months of the date of the council's decision.

The council refused the plans citing concerns around how the changes would harm the character of the areaThe council refused the plans citing concerns around how the changes would harm the character of the area (Image: Submitted)