Decision day on controversial plan for 200 new homes in North Walsham

A protest over traffic and new homes is being held in North Walsham: Pictures: Berni Marfleet (Image: Archant)

A further 350 houses could be accommodated on the site on the western edge of the town if the application gets the go-ahead at a meeting today.

North Norfolk District Council development committee members have been recommended to refuse the proposal, which has prompted protests from residents.

About 60 people of all ages, many carrying banners, took part in the walk along Aylsham Road March 7.

It was organised by Berni Marfleet, who said it was a chance to get their voices heard.

Residents claim there are already serious traffic and safety issues on Aylsham Road, and the new homes would greatly exacerbate risks and congestion.

Council officers have recommended that the proposals submitted by MLN (Land and Properties) Ltd be refused, and Mr Marfleet said the protest had hopefully helped persuade councillors to approve that recommendation.

The march was joined by the town's two county councillors, Eric Seward and John Timewell.

While the planning application to be discussed by the district council on March 16 is for 200 houses, Mr Mayfleet, who lives in Aylsham Road, said: 'In the application the developers clearly state that their highway improvements could accommodate a further 350 on the existing football ground which is owned by the district council.

'Also, they are proposing gifting football club land on Cromer Road, near Waitrose, for a considerably larger football and sporting facility.

'None of this has been properly assessed in terms of traffic, highway safety and environmental impacts. Any large-scale development must include a bypass to remove traffic and heavy lorries from residential roads and the town centre. We are getting a pig in a poke.'

No-one from MLN (Land and Properties) Ltd was available for comment.