Cromer town councillors are objecting to a planned gipsy transit site after being reminded it was in an area of outstanding natural beauty.The council's planning committee originally said it had “no reason to object on planning grounds” to the 10-space site on the Holt Road, but wanted the three-month maximum stay cut to one, and raised concerns that was not in the best interests of residents, and would not help attract industry.

Cromer town councillors are objecting to a planned gipsy transit site after being reminded it was in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The council's planning committee originally said it had “no reason to object on planning grounds” to the 10-space site on the Holt Road, but wanted the three-month maximum stay cut to one, and raised concerns that was not in the best interests of residents, and would not help attract industry.

But the full council meeting was reminded by district councillor Keith Johnson that an earlier plan for a garden centre on the site was turned down because of the AONB status.

John Edwards called for the council to review its stance to “objection rather than reluctant acquiescence.”

A fresh vote agreed to oppose the £545,000 scheme, one of two transit sites in north Norfolk - the other is at Fakenham - needed to give the authorities more power to move travellers on from illegal camps.

North Norfolk District Council is pressing ahead with seeking planning permission, despite both sites having attracted objections from neighbours and local councillors.