Around 45 people living on the picturesque riverside site had objected to an application for six three-bedroom apartments, which would be used for holiday lettings.

The Environment Agency and Mildenhall and Isleham parish councils also opposed the scheme on the grounds the proposed site, at the northern end of the marina, was on a vulnerable flood plain area.

At a Forest Heath Council planning committee meeting, members voted unanimously to support the recommendation of officers and refuse the scheme.

Speaking after the meeting, Paul Chamberlain, of Isleham Marina Lodge Owners' Association, who was strongly against the development, said he was very pleased it had been refused.

"We had an association meeting on Sunday and everybody was extremely happy with the decision," he said.

"About 45 people were opposed to it. One of the main reasons it was refused was because there is a flood plain there and the council did not want more buildings built on a flood plain."

Mr Chamberlain said residents were also against the scheme because the site was designated for a clubhouse in the original planning permission for the marina in 1974.

As well as concerns over the flood plain, the plans were refused by councillors on Wednesday because its appearance was out of character with the rest of the marina and would cause over-population on the site.

Council officer Leslie Mitchell said in a planning report prior to the meeting that the applicant, James Waters, had not provided any evidence to show there was a need for holiday homes in the area.

Planning permission for a similar scheme consisting of six two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom flats was also refused by councillors in February this year.