Controversial plans to build over six hundred homes in Caister move forward
There are fears that the scheme will lead to the destruction of ‘wildlife haven’ hedgerows on the site
A controversial development set to create 665 homes in a coastal Norfolk village has moved a step closer to starting.
Persimmon Homes has made a planning application for the first phase of 180 homes on land at Nova Scotia Farm in Caister.
It has revealed the layout and design of the buildings which are to be built on the 83-acre site.
But fears remain that the scheme will lead to the destruction of ‘wildlife haven’ hedgerows on the site.
The development was approved at a heated meeting in July last year despite several objections from locals.
They worried about overdevelopment and the impact on the road network, the environment, schools and local healthcare services and the sewerage system.
Kevin Wood, of Caister Parish Council, remains worried.
He said: “We still have extreme concerns due to the objection of hedgerows and trees on and around the site.
“At a meeting last month, they said they would save some of the hedgerow but we still worry about the impact this will have.”
The first phase of the development hopes to build 180 homes with 142 available on the open market ranging from one-bed to five-bed with 38 properties available for affordable renting.
As well as housing, the scheme will also create some outdoor open spaces for the new community, including a pond area at the edge of the settlement.
The developers believe the project will provide “long-term ecological enhancements” and employment opportunities through the development’s construction.
It will also go some way towards meeting the Great Yarmouth borough’s housing needs, with more than 7,000 homes to be built.
The public has the opportunity to comment on the plans via the council’s website with a decision due on November 1.