Chris Bishop

West Norfolk Council has refused plans to build five homes on a two-acre site off Fendyke Road in Emneth, near Wisbech. The council said the development would harm the rural character of the area by creating a more suburban appearance, greater density and a different character from the surrounding open fields. Emneth Parish Council also objected, while the applicant argued that the scheme was designed to fit the area and would form a logical extension to the village.

West Norfolk Council has approved plans to convert a group of 1840s barns on Benns Lane in Terrington St Clement, near King's Lynn, into three three-bedroom homes. Conservation officers described the barns as handsome historic buildings that contribute positively to the area's character. A previous application was refused in 2024 over flood-risk concerns, but the Environment Agency withdrew its objection after proposed floor levels were raised.

West Norfolk Council has approved plans to convert two rundown barns at Cow Croft Field Farm in Emneth Hungate, formerly owned by Tony Martin, into four homes. The smaller permitted-development scheme replaced an earlier proposal for 10 houses that was withdrawn over concerns about wildlife. An ecological survey found negligible effects on protected species, and the application said the conversion would not increase traffic. The main Bleak House property, associated with Martin’s fatal 1999 shooting of burglar Fred Barras, is not included. Martin left his £2.5 million estate, including the farm, to Jacqui and David Wadsley, while the surrounding 164 acres are being sold in two lots for about £1.37 million.

A fundraising appeal has raised £19,818 toward a £22,000 target after farmer Chris Murton, 41, of Thrandeston near Diss, died in a farming accident on July 20. Murton was described as a devoted husband to Carys and father of five children, as well as a committed and hardworking farmer. More than 350 people have donated to help the family with funeral costs and the financial consequences of losing its main provider.

The historic Lord Nelson pub in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, is expected to close on September 6 after the Ebrington Collection hands back its lease. Woodforde's Brewery, which leases the Grade II-listed property from the Holkham Estate, is seeking a new operator and says it wants the pub to remain open as an important community and heritage asset. The pub reopened in 2021 following a five-year closure and a restoration costing about £1 million, but its recently appointed general manager, Greg Hacon, has reportedly left.