A historic former pub in Horsford is to be demolished due to 'significant delays' in getting land released for an alternative roundabout site.

Eastern Daily Press: The former Flagcutters pub which is to be demolished for access to the new 259 home development at Horsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe former Flagcutters pub which is to be demolished for access to the new 259 home development at Horsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The Flag Cutters, on Holt Road, will be pulled down and replaced with a roundabout junction to serve a new 259-home development at Green Lane.

It was hoped the property, which dates back to 1845, could be saved despite developer David Wilson Homes having permission to demolish it.

But issues obtaining nearby land for an alternative junction site has resulted in the company pressing ahead with its original plans.

Sandra Lumbard, who lives on Green Lane, said it was 'sad' to lose a piece of the village's history.

Eastern Daily Press: Flagcutters Pub, Horsford. Picture: Archant ArchiveFlagcutters Pub, Horsford. Picture: Archant Archive (Image: Archant)

She added: 'Putting the roundabout where the Flag Cutters is will make the junction dangerous because it will be out-of-site.

'I think the Flag Cutters is worth fighting for.'

In March 2017, Broadland District Council's planning committee approved a roundabout junction to be built on the former pub site.

But the proposed location meant the junction would not be centrally located on Holt Road.

Eastern Daily Press: Local residents angry at a 259 home development in the field behind them at Horsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLocal residents angry at a 259 home development in the field behind them at Horsford. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

At the time, members did not consider it to be the 'optimal location' for the junction.

As a result, Broadland's head of planning agreed to continue discussions to try and secure a junction in-line with the road - saving the pub.

'It was in everyone's interest to try to revise the scheme,' a Broadland council spokesman said.

'However, the revised junction required four other parties to agree.'

The spokesman said land either side of Holt Road is owned by two fuel allotment trusts, which lease their sites to the Forestry Commission and Broadland.

'Although Broadland was happy to release their interest there has been a significant delay in the other parties getting the necessary agreements and legalities sorted,' the spokesman added.

'As a result the developer cannot wait any longer and so it is pursuing the approved, off-line scheme.'

David Wilson Homes did not wish to comment.

The Forestry Commission said: 'We do not own the small piece of land connected to the improved roundabout alignment and had agreed terms to surrender our lease.

'We confirmed this to the developers in February and they replied saying they had decided to proceed with their original consented scheme instead.'

The Flag Cutters was turned into a home in 1970.