RESIDENTS have slammed a new "Bond villain" house which they say has ruined their area.
People are divided after a new house made entirely of wood and glass was built looking over one of the most beautiful areas of the Norfolk Broads.
A traditional Norfolk thatched marshman's cottage was bulldozed to make way for the house, which is painted entirely in black.
The old cottage, Reed Cutters, was home of the Broads legend Archie Taylor, considered the "last of the marshmen".
It was initially lived in by the new owners,who later got planning permission to build their own 21st century eco-house.
But four years ago Andy Burt and his wife applied for permission to replace it with a totally-modern dwelling which is now their home.
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Broads Authority planners approved the new cottage, also called Reed Cutters, in 2017.
There were no objections from council members or the public, and the proposal was supported by the parish council, which considers all building plans in the tiny village of Rockland St Mary.
But now that the property has been built, residents are divided.
Norfolk local Cameron Self told Eastern Daily Press: “I have fond memories of that place as a kid, my friends and I used to cycle from Poringland and hire boats from Archie Taylor and go pike fishing."
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“He was a very special character. He was one of the last of the old-fashioned Broads men.
That’s why I’m so horrified by it. We lost hundreds of years of Broads culture to build that monstrosity.
“When they said they would replace it I assumed it would be a tasteful holiday cottage but it’s like something out of a Bond film.”
A local couple, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s completely incongruous to the area, how did they get away with that?
"We came here to enjoy the countryside and this spoils the area.”
Not all villagers object to the new house.
Resident Dereck Yallup said: “I have lived here all my life and I don’t mind it.
"The building there before used to flood a lot but this one is on stilts.
It’s good to have something modern in the village for a change and the owner is a nice chap.”
Boater Stuart "Tolly" Godbold said: “I don’t mind it at all.
“It’s one of those properties that could be on Grand Designs.
“I personally like it but then, does it fit in? Possibly not.
“I think it is a lovely-looking building and not that many people can see it.
"You have to go by on the boat to really see it.
"But I can understand why people don’t like it being where it is.”
Pub landlady Marion Webb said: "We have been here for nearly ten years and the new house is certainly different from the traditional houses and cottages.
"I like it – but the owners didn't build it to get 'likes' – they wanted to do something striking and different.
"And they have certainly achieved that."
Villager Martin Burrekoven-Kalve said: “I think it sits well. They are very nice people and you can never please everyone.
"I think we are quite lucky to have it in our village.”
"The house was built using local traders and builders and almost everyone supports it.
"It looks wonderful in that setting. We should be proud of having something so progressive in the village."
Another local said: " “If it was in the middle of the street, it might not be right but over there it fits in quite well.
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"It’s nicely tucked away, but each to their own.”
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
These are your rights if you dislike your neighbour’s planning application, according to Planning Portal
If building work is likely to take away some of your light or spoil a view from your windows, you can object to the planning application citing your "right to light".
The council is obliged to consult you if your neighbour makes a planning application.
If your neighbour or construction workers they've hired need to go onto your property during building work, they will need to obtain your consent.
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