Locations of new traveller sites in Norfolk revealed

It’s thought Hevingham, Foulsham, and Guestwick Green, could be suitable

New proposed sites for travellers
Author: Lana WildashPublished 11th Jun 2023
Last updated 12th Jun 2023

Three more potential village sites for travellers have been revealed by officials tasked with identifying possible locations.

Areas in Hevingham, Foulsham and Guestwick Green have been proposed, with the public now asked for their thoughts on their suitability.

However, planning officials have said they believe only one of the sites is appropriate, with the other two described as “unreasonable alternatives”.

Travellers’ sites are broken up into pitches for each family.

The proposed sites are all to the northwest of Norwich. They are:

Woodyard, Reepham Road, Foulsham; with two extra pitches proposed, in addition to two already occupied.

Land off Peddlars Turnpike, Guestwick Green – Three pitches proposed.

Land off Brick Kiln Lane, Hevingham – Five additional pitches beyond the one already in there.

However, planning officials do not support the Foulsham site, because it is located on a sharp bend and would be difficult to access.They also warn the roads near the Guestwick Green land are too small to support extra traffic.

Hevingham is the only new site recommended for approval by the officials.

A public consultation on the sites is now open and closes on July 3.

The locations have been suggested as part of the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) – a blueprint for where 50,000 new homes could be built in Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland by 2038.

At least 53 pitches are needed before the GNLP can be approved by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Previous proposals drew strong concerns from locals, with 300 people attending a packed meeting in Lingwood, raising concerns about plans for 15 pitches south of the A47 in North Burlingham.

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