Dereham homes given the greenlight after almost a decade
Plans to build new homes in the Norfolk town were proposed in 2015 and after being in the pipeline for nine years some 216 homes are set to be constructed.
In 2015 plans were submitted to Breckland Council to build new homes on the 26 acres of farmland along Swanton Road in Dereham, Norfolk. However, concerns were quickly raised from Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust that the new builds would create increased traffic at a nearby level crossing.
Likewise, Dereham Town Council also raised concerns about the crossing. The local authority said: ‘While we are generally happy with this development, we are extremely unhappy and concerned with the proposed treatment of the level crossing. The proposal only provides for a footway on one side of the level crossing, and the council finds this wholly unacceptable and unsafe.’
Although Breckland Council officers have argued that this isn’t an issue as in 2020 an outline planning application was agreed which included the proposal for a footway. Therefore, the local authority said it was ‘not a point for consideration’.
As well as objects being raised about traffic problems, Steve Gower, Norfolk Constabulary’s ‘designing out crime’ officer, previously criticised the design of the development, stating it included secluded alleyways, which could leave homes vulnerable to burglaries. But, Mr Grower said he was ‘sure’ the development could gain a ‘Secured by Design Award’ with a few ‘straight-forward adjustments’.
Despite receiving planning permission in 2018 and then again in 2020 after the developer made guarantees over affordable homes, open spaces and funding for healthcare and education, final plans for a total of 216 homes have been given the greenlight by Breckland councillors.
Image: Avel Chuklanov