A bid to convert a cottage into part of a children's care home in a Broads village has been refused.

Clifford Rapley, from Reedham, was seeking permission from Great Yarmouth Borough Council to change the use of Peartree Cottage on Main Road in Filby.

The building is a three-bedroom cottage attached to one wing of Filby Hall, which operates as a children's home.

Mr Rapley was applying for a certificate of lawful proposed use, which would mean he would not need full planning permission.

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In the planning application, he referred to a statement made by Rachel MacLean, former Minister of State for Housing and Planning, to the House of Commons last year.

At the time, Ms MacLean said the planning system "should not be a barrier to providing homes for the most vulnerable children in society".

But planners said the proposal was not permitted development and would require planning permission.

Filby Parish Council objected to the application, stating there was a lack of secured outside space.

They also said the building was not suited for the stated purpose as it is a Grade II listed building and would require "considerable modification".

"The proposed facility is close to a playing field and village school, which may not be suitable for the type of secure facility that is being described," the parish council added.

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According to the proposals, the building was to function as a proper long-term home for a young person.

Planners said the proposed use was "considered laudable" but that it required planning
permission. 

They also said the application was not supported by information as to why the applicant considered that the change of use from a dwelling to a children's home did not require planning permission.

At an Ofsted inspection in February, Filby Hall Children's Home was rated inadequate.