A couple who were told they should not have knocked down a 'dangerous' chimney have said they were only trying to look after the safety of their family. 

Charlotte Dickerson lives with her partner Rory McGrath in a Georgian house on White Street in Martham.

Originally, their roof had two chimneys but in April last year the couple knocked down one of the stacks.

They later explained to planners they had been advised that to leave the chimney in position was dangerous as it could collapse into the house.

The couple were advised to make a retrospective planning application to remove the structure but this was refused last month.

Planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the two stacks had created a balanced look to the house and "a point of interest in the roofscape of the immediate area".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The owner of a house in Martham said the chimney was 'dangerous' and had to be removed. The owner of a house in Martham said the chimney was 'dangerous' and had to be removed. (Image: Daniel Hickey)

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The house is located in a conservation area and next to a modern Persimmon Homes development.

Ms Dickerson said: "When the damage was discovered we discussed it with the council who said it should be repaired if possible.

"We paid for a surveyor to look at it who said that due to the scale and location of the damage on the stack, it could not be successfully repaired and should be taken down."

She said the couple informed the council again and "they agreed emergency demolition could take place".

Ms Dickerson said the couple tried to do everything by the book and were only concerned for the safety of their house and family.

"We do accept the council’s decision, as we knew the requirements of living in a conservation area when we bought the house.

"However, it does feel a bit over the top when the chimney is barely visible and we are surrounded by new builds," she said.