A council has responded to fears that a woodland popular with families and dog walkers could be built on.

In recent weeks, Bradwell residents have expressed concern that part of Bluebell Woods could be developed as part of Great Yarmouth Borough Council's (GYBC) local plan.

Harry Hamilton, member of Bradwell Parish Council, said: "The local plan is showing that an area being considered for development includes Bluebell Woods.

"It's an area of natural beauty. A lot of residents with children and dogs enjoy the woods.

"We just want to make sure it doesn't get destroyed," he said.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth Borough Council has launched a consultation on its Local Plan.Great Yarmouth Borough Council has launched a consultation on its Local Plan.

Addressing the concerns, a spokesperson for GYBC has said that Town Hall has "not come to a view on whether any of the locations included in the current consultation are suitable or not".

Last summer, potential sites were submitted to the council by landowners, developers and the community through the so-called Call For Sites consultation.

One of those sites - which comprises land south of Beacon Park and north and west of Hobland Hall -  was submitted to the council by the landowner.  

The land comprises privately owned farmland and woodland and does not include the Beacon Park woodland, also known as Bluebell Woods, which is owned by GYBC and open to the public.

The site, however, does include an adjacent private woodland, known as the Hobland Plantation.

The council spokesperson said the woodland around Beacon Park has not been put forward for consideration for development.

Mr Hamilton said: "While the borough council is saying they have no plans to do anything with Bluebell Woods, there is still a risk that landowners could sell their part and it could get demolished and it would be such a shame."

Earlier this month, the council launched a consultation seeking residents’ views on how much development the council should be planning for and where it should go.

Details of the consultation, which runs until February 17, can be found at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/planning-consultations.

Hard copies can be viewed at the Town Hall and local libraries. 

A drop-in event will be held at the Town Hall on January 26 between 4pm and 8pm where members of the public can chat to planning officers about the consultation.