The proposal for nine homes in Marshland St James, near Wisbech, had been recommended for refusal by officers, who said it did not align with a local plan which set out goals for the village’s development.

However West Norfolk Council’s planning committee decided to overlook the guidance and instead prioritise wider regional demands for more self-builds and affordable homes.

The entrance to the site off Walton Road at Marshland St James (Image: Google)

The neighbourhood plan, which was approved by 57pc in a vote among villagers in October, had underlined the need to preserve the linear development of the village.

The current layout of Marshland St James - which........

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