Breckland planners have rejected an application for 16 flats and a bungalow on a site next to a landmark Dereham building, following concerns about the scheme's lack of affordable housing.

Breckland planners have rejected an application for 16 flats and a bungalow on a site next to a landmark Dereham building, following concerns about the scheme's lack of affordable housing.

Developer Michael Gore already has permission for a plant hire business and five homes next to the grade II listed Moorgate House.

But he hoped that Breckland councillors would allow him permission to build the flats and bungalow to help provide homes for his grandchildren and some low cost properties for rent.

Planning officers had recommended refusal, describing the proposals as “unacceptable” as they “do not relate adequately to the locality”.

They also insisted that the project would create dangers for cars and pedestrians and did not include enough affordable housing.

Mr Gore said he “could not believe” the new stance from officers, and said they had told him housing on the site would be acceptable as long as it was in keeping with the new Wimpey development on the old Jentique site opposite.

“It would be in keeping,” said Mr Gore, who said he would put up the industrial building if he is refused permission for housing.

Dereham town councillors had strongly objected to the application for flats and bungalow on the ground that it was “an inappropriate development in front of a splendid Georgian house.”

But Mr Gore insisted that dozens of new homes are currently being built opposite on the former Jentique furniture site and work is about to begin on knocking down the nearby old Metamec factory to make way for 100 new homes being built later this year.