Tougher planning rules will mean local authorities in Norfolk will now have to seek permission from the housing secretary, Steve Reed, to refuse housing estates of 150 properties or more.

It has prompted fears of an “erosion” of local decision-making and accusations the government “cynically” revealed the new rules during the pre-election period.

Daniel Candon, a senior Conservative councillor, said: "Local councillors, who know their communities best, will effectively be overruled or restricted from making decisions without sign-off from Whitehall.

Daniel Candon, a Conservative councillor on Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Image: Daniel........

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