Breckland Council approve “ranch-style” property plans in Larling after family home destroyed by fire

A family whose quaint home was destroyed in a fire have been granted permission to build an “American ranch-style” property in its place.

Rob and Emma Reeve say “lost everything” in the blaze last autumn that tore through their family home in Larling, near Attleborough.

The couple lodged plans with Breckland Council to replace their thatched house with a sprawling bungalow, which they hope will return some normality to their lives.

Councillors gave the development the green light at a meeting this week, despite concerns about the scale of the new home in contrast with its rural surroundings.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to the property last November and remained at the scene of the blaze overnight as they battled the flames.

The incident, caused by an electrical appliance, resulted in significant damage to the home, where the Reeves lived with their three children, five dogs and two cats.

Mrs Reeve said: “We experienced one of the most distressing days of our lives and the fire destroyed everything.

“We had to stand and watch the fire take everything we’ve worked so hard for and all of our family memories. We are thankful to be alive, despite having lost so much.

“It has been hard but we have pushed through and hope there is a light on the horizon.”

The family have been living in a one-bedroom bungalow ever since, reluctant to leave the site where they run the Anvil Park Stud equestrian business.

Mr and Mrs Reeve have raised their family at the yard for nearly a decade and say they need to be in close proximity to care for the animals, with around 50 horses living at the site.

Mrs Reeve added: “With the fire having taken everything, we wanted something different that will make us smile again.

“We want to rebuild our lives after the horrendous events we’ve been through.”

Roudham and Larling Parish Council raised concerns about the one-storey replacement dwelling due to its size and design, which aims to reflect the “American ranch style” with a wide, open layout.

However, the plans were approved at a meeting of Breckland Council’s planning committee on Tuesday.