Dozens of homes to be built in quiet Norfolk village despite objections
A decision is due on Wednesday, November 27th
Dozens of homes are set to be built in a Norfolk village despite a huge amount of backlash that led to 400 letters of objections being submitted.
Officers at Great Yarmouth Borough Council have given the green light for councillors to approve 55 homes to be built on land off Barton Way in Ormesby St Margaret.
Flagship Homes, a housing association behind the scheme, believes the farmland is a suitable and sustainable location for the properties and has promised nearly half of the homes will be classed as ‘affordable housing’.
This means these properties will be offered at 20pc below market value for rent or sale.
However, the scheme has been hugely controversial in the usually quiet village, prompting the parish council to fight against it.
Villagers have submitted 400 letters of objection against it since the plan was revealed in June 2023.
It even led the council to create a new committee specifically focused on scrutinising the application.
The concerns raised include the increased traffic it would bring due to the lack of public transport serving the village and the loss of quality farming land.
In a letter to GYBC, Kathryn Wendt, vice chairwoman of Ormesby and Scratby parish council said: “GYBC already has enough building stock. There is no reason for this newly designed unagreed development to be passed.
“It is outside of the village and would create multiple traffic concerns for parishioners and in particular children who walk along these roads to school.”
Despite the backlash, officers have recommended it be approved by development committee members next week.
They believe it would bring a number of benefits, including much-needed housing for the district.
A report to councillors said that although there is a” lot of public concern” towards the scheme, there is a “relatively small number of compromises to policy or shortcomings” to be found.
A decision is due on Wednesday, November 27th