'Bond villain' house built on thatched cottage site - and locals are not happy
A house seemingly inspired by a James Bond villain has divided opinion in a UK village.
The new modern house In Norfolk, which is made from wood and glass and finished in black, was built in replacement of a traditional thatched cottage.
But not everyone in the village is happy with the new property.
Some neighbours have argued the building is too out of character with the rest of the area, which is made up of brick houses and traditional bungalows.
Many have questioned why the original cottage was to be torn down in the first place.
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The former owner of the property was Archie Taylor, a reed cutter and ‘last of the old marshmen’.
The demolition of the home was approved in 2017 by planning officials from the Broads Authority.
During that time there were no objections from the public but since the property has been built, objections have grown.
The demolition of the cottage was approved in 2017 and was met with no objection from locals (Google)Cameron Self, who runs the Literary Norfolk website said he was outraged by the new building.
He told Norfolk Live: “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.”
“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.”
Mr Self Mr said he wondered how the new house could have been given planning permission, and looked like something that “landed from space”.
Mr Goodson, 62, who has lived in the village for most of his life also shared his disappointment at the new building, describing the building as “totally out of place”. He said: "How it got there, I don’t know."
Derreck Yallup said: “I have lived here all my life and I don’t mind it. The building there before used to flood a lot and it’s good to have something modern in the village and the owner is a nice chap.”
Stuart 'Tolly' Godbold (pictured) says that he does not mind the look of the house (LDR)Stuart ‘Tolly’ Godbold said he did not mind the look of the property and said it could be on Grand Designs.
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He added: "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.”
Martin Burrekoven-Kalve, another local, said it was in a good spot and the owner was a positive part of village life.
He 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.”
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