The residents of Knapton are fighting hard against a planning proposal which will see their village green turned into 16 affordable homes.
Victory Housing has applied to the North Norfolk District Council to build a small housing estate of two-storey homes in the Knapton Millenium Field off School Close.
On January 8, more than 80 residents turned out to the Knapton Parish Council meeting to oppose the plans which will be discussed by the North Norfolk District Council, who will make the final decision.
Local resident Michelle de Vries said: 'Victory Housing first came to Knapton in 2013 promising a reasonable scheme of 8 bungalows, built using traditional materials. They have gone back on their word and have now applied to build a large two story urban housing estate right in the heart of our village.'
'It would be hard to imagine a less appropriate plan. It dumps nearly 50 residents next to busy roads in tiny homes on a cramped estate, and without even a play area for their kids.'
John Archibald, chief executive of Victory Housing Trust, said: 'We are of course bound by the statutory planning process, and fully respect that process, including the opportunity it gives local people to express their views on any proposals. It is for North Norfolk District Council to assess all of the submissions made and to come to a decision. For that reason, it would be wrong of us to seek to influence that process by commenting on a live planning application.'
The one, two and three bedroom homes will be built alongside 35 new parking spaces for the residents.
Parish Council leader Alan Young said : 'Knapton is an idyllic friendly corner of Norfolk, and we'd love to welcome new residents. But any development must give our new neighbours dignity and quality of life, not cram them in like cattle. Why can't developers try to enhance the character of the neighbourhood rather than destroy it? Why can't they build for people, not for profit?'
Mr Archibald added: 'Our priority is to provide as many new affordable homes as we can in order to meet the considerable housing need in north Norfolk. In the vast majority of cases, and especially in rural villages, the provision of affordable homes for local people to live in has an overwhelmingly positive impact on those communities.'
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