West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham has thrown his support behind the EDP's Fighting for Heacham campaign.

West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham has thrown his support behind the EDP's Fighting for Heacham campaign.

We have launched the campaign in support of the people of Heacham who fear that a proposed housing development could change the character of their village.

Housing association Broadland Housing has applied to build 200 houses and a care home among other facilities on the outskirts of the village on land off the A149.

However, residents of the village, together with their parish council, have opposed the plans from the outset, arguing that the development would put too much strain on the infrastructure of Heacham.

Mr Bellingham said: 'I am 100pc behind the campaign. Heacham is a fantastic village, it has got an incredible history, a good community spirit and does not want to be turned into Milton Keynes.

'After a number of years Heacham has found its right level of development. What Heacham does not want is speculative, ill-thought-out and excessive schemes like this one.

'Obviously there is a housing need but the borough council's core strategy allows for an additional 80 new houses to be built by 2026.

'For Broadland to come in and try to build 200 houses is sheer greed and unethical.

'The idea of putting more pressure and another junction on the A149, which anyone who is local knows is a problem, is just insane.

'Broadland are a registered social landlord, they get money from the government, and I am disappointed that they have made this proposal.

'Their reputation in West Norfolk, which is very good, will be dragged through the mud.

'People in Heacham are fed up of people in Norwich coming over here and telling them what to do.'

Broadland's original application was for 355 dwellings as well as a care home and pub but this was reduced to 200 after more than 300 villagers attended a public meeting in protest at the plans.

Heacham Parish Council is opposed to the scaled-down proposals.

Council secretary Philippa Sewell said: 'I think the consistency of the opposition demonstrates that while Broadland have said they are not going away neither are we.

'This is our village, our community and we believe this is not the right development.'