Subsidence fears over Mile Cross homes plans

The unnamed engineer said they used to live in Berners Close in Mile Cross where the new flats are proposed to be built.

Plans for the development explain previous homes on the site were pulled down decades ago, but the reason why was unknown.

A view of the site at Berners Close (Image: Google)

However, the engineer who submitted an objection to the plans said: "As I was living there in the late 1980s / early 1990s I can help.

"The bungalows were subsiding and there was a risk to the occupants, not to mention that the gas pipes were at severe risk of fracture causing an explosion.

"I have been associated with Berners Close since 1970 when I moved there with my family.

"I lived there for 22 years and still visit regularly so know the area very well over more than half a century of experience.

"I am a surprised and troubled that Norwich City Council do not have the records going back to this time period, especially as the risk to the residents was bad enough to force the eviction of the tenants and removal of the buildings.

"The bungalows themselves were built on land taken from the gardens of properties in Fenn Crescent and it would appear that the foundations were not sufficient to take their weight.

"As a chartered engineer, I have serious concerns that the erection of a two-storey building would cause even more stress of the land than was previously the case."

The scheme was put forward by Orwell Housing Association in March and is one of a series of applications for sites owned by Norwich City Council to be developed into affordable housing.

Norwich City Council has been contacted for comment.