It’s full steam ahead for the regeneration of a former RAF station near Fakenham with another 94 homes to be built on the site.
The proposal for new homes in West Raynham was recommended for approval by North Norfolk District Council’s development committee today.
And, despite concerns expressed by the Highways Authority, which described the potential impact of the development as “severe”, and more than 60 letters of objection, councillors voted eight to five to approve.
The application for development on the 158-acre site was submitted by FW Properties Ltd, which has agreed to provide £200,000 towards highways improvements at the site.
Ian Fox, co-director of FW Properties, said after the meeting: “We have received so much support and encouragement from our residents and commercial tenants; our mission is now to continue to build a vibrant, sustainable and aspirational community where families can enjoy living and working. Our plans are designed to complement the historical built environment and landscape, as well as providing much needed new homes for this area of Norfolk.”
Ward member for the Raynhams, Becky Palmer said in a statement she was in favour of the scheme, which includes 20 affordable homes, and will see the former Naafi converted into a community centre.
Mr Fox said there were already 171 occupied homes on the site and resident Jacqueline Mattock added: “I look forward to the next exciting chapter of the site’s history.”
But Jane Freeman, chairman of neighbouring Helhoughton Parish Council, spoke against the plans.
She said people were concerned about the extra traffic and resident Cliff Allen said the plans did not make “a lot of sense”.
Councillor Vivienne Uprichard was also opposed and said it went against council policies.
But fellow councillor Richard Shepherd said: “We are here to provide homes and jobs for people. I do not want to see this site become derelict or broken up, as could happen.”
Meanwhile, a separate application for retrospective planning permission for a children’s nursery on the site was also approved. This has been in operation since last May, but was waiting on the approval of the West Raynham application.
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