A couple who claimed their lives were “ruined” by plans to build a bypass near their Norfolk home have won £200,000 compensation.

Maurice and Audrey Balchin began their campaign following the announcement of a road bypass scheme near Wroxham in 1986. The complaint related to Norfolk County Council’s refusal to purchase the couple’s home, Swans Harbour, which would have been within four metres of the new bypass, in advance of the scheme.

Although the bypass plans were later dropped, the Balchins said that they had been financially ruined by the drop in value of their home as a result of the announcement of the bypass.

Mr Balchin said that he had lost an established profitable business, his home and his assets, while both he and his wife had suffered from stress, worry, anxiety and ill health as a result.

In reports published on Wednesday, both the Local Government Ombudsman, Jerry White and Parliamentary Ombudsman, Ann Abraham, found maladministration at both Norfolk County Council and the Department of Transport in the case.

Mr White said: “I conclude that the council could not reasonably have refused to buy Swans Harbour had the matter been considered properly – as it should have been – in October 1992.”

Ms Abraham said: “I consider that the Department should have given clearer guidance to the council about their new power to purchase properties, which would be badly affected, but not technically blighted, by the proposed new road.”

Both Ombudsmen recommended that each body should pay the Balchins £100,000.

(KMcA/SP)