Controversial plans to build dozens of homes in Gorleston have been recommended for approval by planning officials.

Eastern Daily Press: The access road and land off East Anglian Way in Gorleston.Badger Building planning application.Picture: James BassThe access road and land off East Anglian Way in Gorleston.Badger Building planning application.Picture: James Bass

On Wednesday a scheme to build 71 homes off East Anglian Way by St Mary and St Peter Primary School will go before Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s development control committee.

The plan by Badger Building (E. Anglia) Ltd had led to residents sending in 16 letters of objections, with concerns raised over an increase in traffic and loss of a green space and wildlife.

Last September the planning committee deferred a decision so a site visit could be carried out due to the traffic concerns and the number of homes to be built.

MORE; homes decision deferredIn a paper to be discussed on Wednesday night, planning officers recommend the homes bid be approved, subject to conditions.

Summing up traffic concerns raised, the report to the committee states: “The primary objection from residents is that the access is not suitable and that there are high levels of traffic during the drop off and pick up times for the school.”

The reports states the highways officials have no overall objection to the scheme and that the provision of a planned car park for the school by the developer and drop off point for pupils would mitigate issues.

In regards to a loss of green space and wildlife, the report states: “The biodiversity and protected species report did not identify any rare or protected species and notes that the land is not appropriate for a number of protected species.”

MORE: homes plan bid The report adds a further reptile survey may be needed, and that a landscape officer said no trees on the site were not worthy of being retained or protected.

The land earmarked for the 71 homes has been an existing housing land allocation site since 2001 and is part of a 2014 strategic

housing land availability assessment document.

Flood risk concerns are also mentioned in the report, but added the “drainage strategy is sufficient”.

Badger Building (E. Anglia Ltd) is also offering to create a open space for public use and if approved as a condition a management company could be set up to run in for perpetuity.

The development control committee meeting starts at 6.30pm.