A restriction on a Norfolk business aimed at maintaining traffic safety on a busy road has been removed after critics called it "Kafkaesque" and "dystopian."

A site operated by SJC trailers on the A1122 between Crimplesham and Downham Market had rules placed on it which prevented the premises from being sold or let for use by any other business.

However, the firm wants to subdivide the property and sell it to another operator to run a similar enterprise, which involves the storing of trailers.

The entrance to SJC trailers site in CrimpleshamThe entrance to SJC trailers site in Crimplesham (Image: West Norfolk Council)

Norfolk County Council highways officers objected to the removal of the restriction, fearing it would lead to more traffic which could pose a danger to drivers.

The road has a 60mph speed limit and is a main route into Downham Market and there had previously been a serious accident on this stretch.

However, representatives from SJC trailers complained that traffic had decreased as the nature of the business had changed, while also noting that no other business along the A1122 had this condition put on them.

The A1122, a main road that links Crimplesham to Downham MarketThe A1122, a main road that links Crimplesham to Downham Market (Image: West Norfolk Council)

The situation led one councillor, Alun Ryves, to describe the restriction as "Kafkaesque dystopian" in reference to frequent themes of oppressive or nightmarish bureaucracy explored in Czech novelist Franz Kafka's novels.

He said: "The whole point of the road system is for people to move around the county."

An officer for Norfolk County Council's highways team justified the objection to the changes, worrying that it would lead to more traffic, potentially leading to a safety risk.

However, councillors decided that the volume of drivers using the road had decreased and that the dangers had also, with members of the planning committee voting unanimously to approve the changes.