Objections raised to huge expansion plans for Attleborough - with many singling out Hargham Road junction

The proposed juction of the planned link road with Hargham Road, south of Attleborough. Picture: Transport Planning Association document submitted on behalf of Attleborough Land Ltd (Image: Archant)

Many of the submissions made to Breckland Council over the massive development - which has been planned for years - object to a proposed link road having a junction at Hargham Road to the south of the town.

But other objections voice fears the homes wold ruin the rural character of the area, and that health, traffic and other infrastructure would not be able to cope with the influx of new residents.

The development - which is yet to be considered by Breckland - would cover a 217ha site south of the town with homes split into three 'neighbourhoods' separated by green spaces.

Seen as crucial to the development is a £18m link connecting the A11 London Road and Old Buckenham Road, which the developer, Attleborough Land Ltd, hopes to build with a loan from Norfolk County Council.

An artist's impression of the local centre, part of the planned 4,000 development for Attleborough. Image: JTP Masterplanners design and access statement (Image: Archant)

But scores of residents have written to the council opposing the link road having a junction on its northern side with Hargham Road, fearing it would create a 'rat run' into the town, cause congestion and would be dangerous for pedestrians.

MORE: Bid for 4,000 new homes to double size of Attleborough takes step forward as planning application lodgedA letter from Old Buckenham Parish Council said they objected on the 'strongest possible terms' to the expansion.

It read: 'Old Buckenham is a rural village, and residents feel strongly that it should maintain its rural character, and not be subsumed into Attleborough.'

Another objection, from Attleborough resident Luke Waters, read: 'The town simply can't support more people without more infrastructure. Where is the shops? Sports centre? Swimming pool? Anything that would class as necessary infrastructure needed for such an increase in population.'

An artist's impression of the linear park, part of the planned 4,000 development for Attleborough. Image: JTP Masterplanners design and access statement (Image: Archant)

And another resident, Averil Felton, wrote: 'This link road will bring more traffic into Hargham Road. As a result there will also be increased traffic and hold ups along London Road up to the junction with our road (Chapel Road).'

The application documents and objections can be viewed online at www.breckland.gov.uk/planningsearch, search for 3PL/2017/0996/O

An artist's impression of the wetland corridor, part of the planned 4,000 development for Attleborough. Image: JTP Masterplanners design and access statement (Image: Archant)