Blackwater Carr told to remove yurt in Norfolk Broads
The yurt at Blackwater Carr, which is at the centre of the dispute (Image: Broads Authority)
An aerial view of the Blackwater Carr site, where you can see the white-domed yurt in view (Image: Google)
It could also be used for workers to stay in overnight if needed.
However, after it was reported to the Broads Authority (BA), officers decided to refuse permission for the yurt, complaining it was causing a "detrimental impact" to the Broads landscape as well as concerns it would be at risk of flooding due to being located in a floodplain..
This was despite widespread support from locals and even Henry Cator, chair of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA), who applauded the couple for their work supporting wildlife at Blackwater Carr.
He said: "Please may common sense prevail and this application be approved."
After the yurt was rejected by the BA, Mr Hooper and Ms Alexander appealed to the Planning Inspectorate - the government department that presides over planning disputes.
However, the appeal was later rejected.
Inspector James Blackwell acknowledged that the yurt offered a number of potential benefits for the couple's conservation work.
But he decided these did not outweigh the "potential flood risk harm" and said it conflicted with the development plan for the area.
Mr Blackwell decided to refuse the application, which will mean the couple will likely have to remove the yurt from the site.
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