The man behind the multi-million creation of an eco-friendly village on a former Norfolk airbase has welcomed approval of plans for nearly 60 new homes on the extensive site.

The man behind the multi-million creation of an eco-friendly village on a former Norfolk airbase has welcomed approval of plans for nearly 60 new homes on the extensive site.

Roger Gawn, who acquired the 160-acre former RAF base at West Raynham in October last year said he was “absolutely delighted” that plans for 58 new homes and conversion of four former giant aircraft hangars into luxury loft-style apartments had been approved subject to conditions.

“I am absolutely delighted that approval has been given because it means that the North Norfolk District Council recognise the benefits of what we are doing on the site. It suggests that we are doing the right thing,”said Mr Gawn.

Mr Gawn stressed that the fact the new build part of the plans now has planning consent didn't mean that new homes would be springing up overnight because it was part of a much longer master plan.

He is focusing on the refurbishment of the old married quarter homes at the moment which are now being sold or let.

He said that about one-third of the 172 homes were now either sold or let and that the first owners were due to occupy the homes within the next couple of weeks.

In response to criticisms from some parish councils that the development was happening too quickly so that other facilities were not ready, Mr Gawn stressed that he already had consent for change of use for some of these facilities including a shop, squash courts, tennis courts, gymnasium and church and these would all be brought back into use and be available to use by the first residents at West Raynham Park.