Dozens of new homes approved despite being called a ‘blot on the …

Plans for dozens of homes in a small Norfolk village have been approved, despite locals branding the scheme a “blot on the landscape”. Developers have been given the green light to build 48 homes on 7.1 acres of land in Banham, between Old Buckenham and Diss.

The scheme, which was approved by Breckland Council, will see development either side of Greyhound Lane, with homes to the north and public open space and a play area to the south. But the development drew the ire of locals, with Keith Drewrey from Banham Parish Council branding the properties “brick boxes” which will be a “blot on the landscape.”

Members of Breckland’s planning committee also raised concerns about the scheme, which was submitted by Breckland Bridge, a company owned by the district council and housing developer Land Group.

Roger Atterwill, an independent councillor, said: “I think this is a terrible layout, I don’t think we should be expecting children to cross a road into a play area. That play area should have been incorporated into the area where there is the housing.”

Iain Hill from Bidwells, the agent for the Breckland Bridge, said the plans have been developed over a number of years and issues raised by consultees have been addressed where possible.

He said: “The proposals seek to deliver high-quality development on land allocated for residential and open space.”

He insisted the scheme had been designed to minimise the impact on existing residents, with extra trees and hedgerows planted and 20 per cent affordable housing. Councillors also heard that the play space could not be on the north side of the road, because a new drainage scheme was needed on the site.

The scheme will dramatically increase the number of homes in Banham, which had 603 households at the time of the 2011 census. It was approved by six for and four against.

References

1. ^{^} Former police officer from Norfolk convicted of assault (www.norfolklive.co.uk)