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Nature spot fears over plan for 35 new homes

Paul MoseleyNorfolk political reporter
News imageGetty Images A partially constructed brick building surrounded by extensive metal scaffolding. Several construction workers wearing safety gear are working on the upper level near triangular roof structures. The site includes wooden planks, metal poles, and safety barriers in pink, grey and yellow. A cloudy sky forms the background.Getty Images
The developers said their plans would be in line with the government's call for more housebuilding

A controversial proposal to build 35 new homes looks set to be approved despite concerns about the impact on a nearby nature spot.

The properties would be built on the outskirts of Wymondham, Norfolk but opponents are concerned about the potential impact on marshes in the area.

The development, planned for land next to a repair garage on London Road, includes 12 affordable homes and space for a new car showroom and offices.

A report for South Norfolk District Council's planning committee said the investment in the business carries "substantial weight" and advised councillors to give their approval at a meeting on Friday.

News imageParker Planning Services Proposed elevations show a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, featuring brick, render and coloured boarding, with pitched roofs, integrated or detached garages, and landscaped frontages set among mature trees.Parker Planning Services
Images from the developers' plans give an idea of how the homes might look

Wymondham has seen many new homes built over the last two decades and further growth is expected, including recently revived plans for almost 600 more properties.

While the London Road development – next to the Abbeygate Accident and Repair Centre - is far smaller, it is proving contentious, with objections from the town council, local heritage society and a "substantial number" of residents.

In a council report, The Norfolk Wildlife Trust warned of "potential impacts on the adjacent Wymondham Marshes County Wildlife Site", while other objections were about the "loss of rural character and tranquillity of Lady's Lane", which is used by walkers and cyclists.

Another key issue is that some of the homes would be outside the town's development boundary.

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The firm behind the proposals, Aline Developments, said the development would help "meet the needs of present and future generations".

It said plans would include bat boxes, bird boxes and new hedgerows – while the showroom and offices would be good for the economy.

Council officers acknowledged in the report that the plan will mean "the loss of open land and a localised urbanising effect on the settlement edge and Lady's Lane", but overall it was felt the public benefits outweigh the harm.

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