Plans for more than 200 new homes in Dereham set for approval despite safety fears
Developer Abel Homes wants to build 216 homes on land on Swanton Road in Dereham.
Plans for more than 200 homes in a Norfolk market town look set to move forward, despite concerns that a level crossing on the site would be made “unsafe”.
Developer Abel Homes wants to build 216 homes on 26 acres –roughly 12 football pitches – of land on Swanton Road in Dereham.
A planning application for the site was granted permission in 2020 but it only covered the broad strokes of the development, with issues called ‘reserved matters’ – relating to landscaping, layout and scale – left unresolved.
Now Breckland Council officials are recommending the final plans get the green light at a meeting next Tuesday.
However, locals, including the Dereham Town Council and the Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, have argued the extra traffic could make the level crossing unsafe.
The council said: “While Dereham Town Council are generally happy with this development they are extremely unhappy and concerned with the proposed treatment of the level crossing.
“The proposal only provides for a footway on the northside of the level crossing, the council finds this wholly unacceptable and unsafe.”
But Breckland planning officials said nothing could be done at this stage.
“The concerns raised by neighbours and the Town Council and Ward Councillor regarding the railway crossing are noted. However, this matter was agreed at an earlier stage,” they said.
“Furthermore, it is not a matter relating to appearance, layout, landscaping and scale of the development and therefore, it is not a point for consideration in the determination of this application.
“The reserved matters have been found to be acceptable on balance, with no harm significantly outweighing the benefits of the proposals. Therefore, it is recommended that the application is approved.”
The earlier stage agreed a new footway over the railway line but not a new crossing, it will also provide a new roundabout.