Plans criticised for 140 homes in Chedgrave, near Loddon

After a public consultation event, Hopkins Homes has revealed early plans for a homes scheme off Proctor Road in Chedgrave, near Loddon.

The site, measuring around seven hectares, would include affordable homes, self-build plots, and public open spaces.

A circular walking route can be seen around the site, alongside connections to nearby play facilities and a "maintenance buffer" to create space between neighbouring developments.

Kay Mason Billig, leader of the Norfolk County Council, has criticised the plans (Image: Norfolk County Council)

But the early plans have already drawn criticism.

In a social media video, Kay Mason Billig, councillor for Loddon and Chedgrave and leader of Norfolk County Council, has vowed to do all she can to prevent the 140-home plan going ahead.

Ms Mason Billig said: This is supposed to be a green space. This is a space that local people use very well and love very much, and I'm going to do all I can to stop this development happening.

Land west of Proctor Road is the proposed location for the housing development (Image: Google Maps)

"It's just not right, we can't take any more houses in Chedgrave, we haven't got the infrastructure, and I'll do all I can to prevent it."

In recent years the area has seen significant growth, with hundreds of new homes approved across Loddon and Chedgrave over the past four years.

These include 76 homes on Langley Road in Chedgrave, along with two major schemes in Loddon for 85 and 180 homes.

An illustrative view of the new homes coming to Loddon rise, a 180-home development off Beccles Road (Image: untypical)

The village, which is separated from the nearby Loddon by the River Chet, had a population of 1.052 in the 2021 census.

If all 140 homes are eventually approved and have two people living in each of them, the housing scheme will bring 280 people to Chedgrave - an increase of almost 27pc.

A spokeswoman from Hopkins Homes, part of the untypical Group, said: "We are exploring the potential for development on this site in light of the South Norfolk District Council's acknowledged shortfall in their five-year housing land supply, and our proposals are being prepared in like with local planning policies."

"We recognise that Chedgrave is a close-knit community and appreciate the engagement seen at our public consultation event at Loddon and Chedgrave Jubilee Hall on Friday, March 20. We would like to thank everyone who attended and shared their views."

"We will continue to review all feedback received as we refine the proposals ahead of submitting a planning application," she added.