Fakenham Highfield Road car park and toilets demolition bid

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) had proposed selling off the Highfield Road car park in Fakenham to developer Flagship to be used to build affordable homes in the market town.

NNDC’s cabinet has now agreed to the idea, with plans to build 12 affordable homes there.

The car park holds 75 spaces, but the council says it is the most unprofitable site in the district, making just £3,862 in income last year.

There are another four council-owned car parks in Fakenham.

Highfield Road car park in Fakenham (Image: © Archant Norfolk 2014)

An NNDC spokeswoman added: “Flagship will need to apply for planning permission for new homes on the site. It is envisaged that the site will accommodate 12 dwellings. The demolition of the toilets will take place first with the planning application to follow in due course.

“Housing need across the district is very high, and the cabinet report included information on housing needs which had been shared with the town council at their meeting in October.

"This advised that of the 2,516 households on the housing list, 1,115 said they wanted to live in Fakenham and 260 had a local connection to Fakenham, and that only 37 affordable homes were let in Fakenham in the previous year.”

Highfield Road car park in Fakenham (Image: Google)

Back in 2022, Fakenham Town Council objected to NNDC's proposal to build homes on the car park.

A spokeswoman for the town council added: "The council regrets the loss of Highfield Road car park on behalf of those residents who use it.

"Indeed, the council opposed the proposal to offer it for affordable housing.

"However, we also understand the need for additional accommodation, given the number of people presently housed in unsuitable homes or bed and breakfasts".