West Beckham bungalow plan approved despite policy fears

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has signed off on a plan to develop land in West Beckham, a small community near Sheringham.

The properties - which will all be classed as “affordable” and allocated to people with a strong local connection - will be built on green space between Back Lane and Sheringham Road. 

Callum Ringer, the local member, told a recent planning committee meeting the scheme ran against council policy. 

Callum Ringer (Image: Karen Bethell)

It initially appeared Mr Ringer was going to speak in favour of the project, saying the lack of affordable housing in the area meant his birth certificate said “The Caravan”, which was housed in his grandparents' garden. 

“Since that day there has not been any more affordable housing built in West Beckham,” he added.

However, he argued that the homes should be rejected because NNDC rules state developments in the countryside - which need to be considered exceptional to be approved - could not be too close together. A separate five-home scheme proposed by the same developer was recently approved in the area.

“I’m impressed with the environmental credentials of the scheme, the solar panels, the footpath, the meadow, the planting. I’d be very happy to support this application if it were in a more appropriate location,” he added.

The committee said bungalows and affordable housing are desperately needed in the area, which weighed in favour of approval.  

Erpingham ward councillor John Toye said: “If it had been two different applicants I would be less inclined to support it, but as this is from the same organisation delivering affordable housing, I will be happy to support.” 

The scheme was approved 12 to one.