Three more potential village sites for gypsies and travellers have been revealed by officials tasked with identifying possible locations.

Areas in Hevingham, Foulsham and Guestwick Green have been proposed, with the public now asked for their thoughts on their suitability. 

However, planning officials have said they believe only one of the sites is appropriate, with the other two described as “unreasonable alternatives”. 

Travellers' sites are broken up into pitches for each family.

The proposed sites are all to the north west of Norwich. They are: 

  • Woodyard, Reepham Road, Foulsham; with two extra pitches proposed, in addition to two already occupied.
  • Land off Peddlars Turnpike, Guestwick Green - Three pitches proposed.
  • Land off Brick Kiln Road, Hevingham - Five additional pitches beyond the one already in there.

However, planning officials do not support the Foulsham site, because it is located on a sharp bend and would be difficult to access.

They also warn the roads near the Guestwick Green land are too small to support extra traffic.

Hevingham is the only new site recommended for approval by the officials. 

A public consultation on the sites is now open and closes on July 3. 

The locations have been suggested as part of the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) - a blueprint for where 50,000 new homes could be built in Norwich, South Norfolk and Broadland by 2038.

At least 53 pitches are needed before the GNLP can be approved by the government’s Planning Inspectorate. 

The new sites have been proposed in addition to 10 other recommended locations that have already been considered.

A consultation on the previous pitches closed in March but no final decision has been made on any site yet. 

The previous proposals drew strong concerns from locals, with 300 people attending a packed meeting in Lingwood, raising concerns about plans for 15 pitches south of the A47 in North Burlingham. 

 

The previously proposed sites are: 

  • Buxton Road, Cawston – four pitches   
  • Wymondham Recycling Centre, Strayground Lane – two pitches   
  • Hockering Lane, Bawburgh – six pitches   
  • A47 North Burlingham Junction – 15 pitches   
  • Land north of Shortthorn Road, Stratton Strawless – four pitches   
  • Romany Meadow, The Turnpike, Carleton Rode – six pitches    
  • Old Produce Should, Holt Road, Horsford – six pitches   
  • The Oaks, south-east of Letter Box Cottage, Reepham Road, Foulsham – 10 pitches   
  • Land off Strayground Lane, Wymondham – 10 pitches
  • Upgate Street, Carleton Rode – four pitches