Jet black house likened to a James Bond villain’s lair sparks fury among neighbours

A jet-black house that has been compared to a James Bond villain’s lair has sparked fury among its neighbors, despite obtaining planning permission six years ago.

The modern Norfolk property made of wood and glass and finished in black, and built on the site of an old thatched cottage, has divided opinion.

In fact, many locals have argued that the building is too out of place with the rest of the area, which is largely made up of brick houses and traditional bungalows.

The house has been built overlooking one of the most beautiful parts of the Norfolk Broads after owner Andy Burt and his wife applied for permission to replace the old house with something more modern.

Reed Cutters, the former farmhouse, was the home of Broads legend Archie Taylor, considered the ‘last of the bogs’.

The original, more traditional-looking property (pictured above) was the home of Broads legend Archie Taylor, who was considered the “last of the bog men.”

However, the traditional thatched-roof marsh cottage was torn down to make way for the house, which is painted entirely black, including the fence and gate that surrounds it.

The demolition of the house was approved in 2017 by Broads Authority planning officials and even the parish council supported the proposals.

This is because during this time there were no objections from the public.

Since the property was built, objections have grown as residents have been divided on its appearance and question why the old structure was allowed to be demolished.

It has been built overlooking the dyke that connects Rockland Broad to the nearby stairwell, alongside a popular walking trail called Wherryman’s Way.

Cameron, a Norfolk local, told himself norfolk live: ‘I have fond memories of that place when I was a child, me and my friends used to cycle down from Poringland and hire boats from Archie Taylor and go pike fishing.’

He went on to say that he was “appalled” by the new look of the house, adding that he assumed the newly built property would be a “tasteful” vacation home.

Mr Self said: ‘He was a very special character. He was one of the last of the old fashioned men of the Broads. That’s why it terrifies me so much. 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 home, but it’s like something out of a Bond movie.

Another resident, Mr. Goodson, 62, also shared his disappointment in the new building.

He said he has lived in the village most of his life, describing the building as “totally out of place”, adding: “How it got there, I don’t know.”

A couple visiting the area from Lakenham, who asked not to be named, described the property as ‘shocking’, reports Eastern Daily Press.

The couple said: ‘It’s completely incongruous with the area, how did they get away with it? We came here to enjoy the countryside and this spoils the area.

However, other locals have said that they don’t mind having a more modern ‘something’ in their village.

Resident Derreck Yallup added: ‘I’ve lived here my whole life and I don’t care. The building there used to flood a lot and it’s nice to have something modern in the village and the owner is a nice guy.

And Martin Burrekoven-Kalve added: ‘I think it feels good.

‘They are very nice people and you can never please everyone. I think we are very lucky to have him in our village.’