A group of trees that line the banks of a river close to a Broads landmark have been granted extra protection measures despite villagers attempting to block the plans.

The Broads Authority (BA) has approved a permanent tree protection order (TPO) for a collection of mature willow trees that grow next to Potter Heigham Bridge - a 600-year-old river crossing that is a scheduled monument.

The site was formerly where the 19th century pub, Old Bridge Hotel, was located until it was destroyed in a fire in the 1990s.

The Willow Trees lie along the river bank next to the bridge, on land where the old bridge Hotel once stoodThe Willow Trees lie along the river bank next to the bridge, on land where the old bridge Hotel once stood (Image: Google)

Repps with Bastwick parish council had attempted to block the new measures, claiming the trees did not "contribute to the wider amenity of the site" and they worried the roots are damaging the river bank.

There had also been concerns that by granting the TPO, opportunities to redevelop the currently derelict site would be blocked.

However, a review of the area by the Heritage Environment Manager for the BA concluded that the TPO would not prevent any new building work, as long as the trees were not harmed.

Members of the BA voted unanimously to make the TPO permanent.

It means anyone wishing to carry out any work on the trees, some of which are nearly 100 years old, will have to gain permission from the BA before doing so.

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Great Yarmouth Mercury: The site is close to Potter Heigham Bridge, a scheduled monumentThe site is close to Potter Heigham Bridge, a scheduled monument

The decision comes as a developer's bid to rebuild the Old Bridge Hotel has passed a major hurdle.

Nick Mackmin has been attempting for several years to gain permission to rebuild the Old Bridge Hotel, which was once a prominent Broads destination until it was ravaged by a fire in 1991.

A recent attempt to gain planning permission for a restaurant and holiday lets was blocked by the BA and government officials due to flooding fears.

A photograph of a postcard depicting the Old Bridge Hotel in the 1950sA photograph of a postcard depicting the Old Bridge Hotel in the 1950s (Image: Robin Richardson)

However, he has since been granted a lawful development certificate which will allow the rebuilding of the pub and hotel to go ahead.

This is because demolition work had already taken place in 1993, which means planning permission granted that same year to reinstate the structure remains valid.