A couple who bought a 'once thriving' guest house on the coast were planning to live there with their extended family - only to see their hopes thwarted.

Stephen and Ann Frew wanted to live at the five-bedroom property on Trafalgar Road in Great Yarmouth where it was hoped their relatives would look after them.

After purchasing the house in December 2021, they submitted a retrospective planning application to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to change the use of the property to residential.

When planners refused the proposal - over concerns for its impact on the local tourism economy - the Frews then appealed the decision to the planning inspectorate.

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Once again, however, their plans have been dashed, with the planning inspector dismissing the appeal. 

In a report outlining the decision, the inspector said the proposal would result in "the unjustified loss of holiday accommodation".

At the time of the inspector's visit to the property, a B&B formerly called the Merivon, the Frews were living there with their family.

An appeal statement written on their behalf said they had bought the house "to help manage Mr Frew’s deteriorating health".

"These large premises would enable their daughter and family to live with them to assist with their illnesses and disabilities," the letter said.

It also argued the couple were not given sufficient information about the use of the property or relevant planning policies while they were buying the house.

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The inspector said, however, that the owners' personal circumstances did not outweigh their application's conflict with the development plan which sought to support the local tourism economy.

One neighbour had objected to the proposal, citing loss of holiday accommodation and impact on neighbouring uses.

They said the guesthouse was "a thriving business" for 20 years under its previous owner.