Plans for an equestrian business in north norfolk were refused despite the applicant claiming it would create two jobs and boost the economy.

Nigel Donohue had applied to open the business with stabling and a teaching facility at Cannister Hall Barns in Dunton, near Fakenham.

The plans would also have included a riding arena with floodlighting and a new building to provide stabling.

But North Norfolk district councillors went with their officers’ recommendation to turn down the application at a development committee meeting on Thursday, February 22.

Officers said the proposed building to provide stabling would result in harm to the setting of the nearby, Grade 2 listed Cannister Hall.

This was in spite of Dunton ward councillor Becky Palmer’s statement that it would be a great asset to the area.

Other councillors also suggested the impact on Cannister Hall would not be as bad as feared, but it was still refused.