Decision due on controversial plans to build 400 homes near Harleston
Locals argue the town’s infrastructure won't be able to cope with more people
Controversial plans to build more than 400 homes on the outskirts of a Norfolk town will be decided this week.
Developers want to bring 354 houses and 107 ‘extra care’ apartments and bungalows – as part of a housing scheme for people over the age of 55 – to 67 acres of land east of Mendham Lane in Harleston.
Locals argue the town’s roads, doctors, dentists and schools will not be able to cope with so many new people.
The scheme would bring a major population increase to the area, which had just 4,600 people in the 2011 census.
Saffron, the company behind the plan, also wants to put in place extra public open space, allotments and four acres of land for community use.
As part of a linked scheme, a new Lidl could also be built.
Around 25 local families have raised objections about the proposals, ahead of a planning meeting on Wednesday.
These include Steve Tricker, 65, of Mendham Lane, who warned the scheme would have a significant impact on the town.
“I appreciate the need for houses but this is too many,” he said. “They are talking about hundreds of homes and then a Lidl as well. It just feels like it is going to kill the town.
“We don’t have the infrastructure. You can’t get a dentist, the doctors are at breaking point. I know people who can’t get their kids into the local school.”
But development officers at the council have sided with Saffron, saying the site would “deliver an attractive layout in a sustainable location” and recommended the scheme for approval.
They said: “The proposed development would deliver a range of dwelling types, sizes, and tenures to meet the requirements of different households, both in terms of market and affordable housing.”
Joe Bootman, head of land and planning at Saffron, said: “We understand there may be local concerns around pressure on services such as healthcare and education.
“The suitability of all our sites, including the one proposed for Mendham Lane in Harleston, are rigorously evaluated through the planning process.”
Mr Bootman said the scheme will also provide financial contributions to deliver improvements to local infrastructure and services through a community infrastructure levy – a charge put in place by local authorities which can be spent in the local area.