Protest planned as anger grows against 725 homes plan
Nine-year-old Millie Harvey, front, holding her poster and petition against houses being built at the former Pinebanks site in Thorpe St Andrew, with her family and neighbours from Henby Way - Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021
Mounting frustration with a plan for 725 new homes to be built across four vacant sites on the outskirts of Norwich has led to a protest being organised.
The walk has been arranged at the end of January in response to the Pinebanks development in Thorpe St Andrew.
Development firm Ocubis wants to build 575 homes at three places in Yarmouth Road - 105 properties in Langley North, 175 in Langley South and 295 in Pinebanks - with another 150 at a fourth site in Griffin Lane.
But fears over the scale of the plans and the impact on local services and traffic have caused neighbours to arrange a protest outside the Broadland District car park.
There are also concerns over the impact on ecological areas in the town.
Thorpe St Andrew county councillor Ian Mackie will be among those attending the protest on Sunday, January 30, starting at 11.30am and walking to Henby Way for 12.15pm.
County councillor Ian Mackie - Credit: Submitted
Mr Mackie said: "We were told it’s only a vocal minority against these plans. That’s simply not the case.
"The impact and damage on the community and the environment is irreparable. This protest walk will hopefully demonstrate the level of public objection to these proposals.”
Thorpe St Andrew Town Council held a meeting about the proposals on Monday in which councillors agreed to write to Broadland District Council - which will make a final decision on the plans - to state their objections.
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Laura Harvey, who lives in Henby Way, is among those concerned about the impact of hundreds of new homes.
Her nine-year-old daughter Millie has collected 1,168 signatures against the plans.
Nine-year-old Millie Harvey with her poster and petition against houses being built at the former Pinebanks site in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2021
Mrs Harvey said: "We were advised that Millie’s petition would only count as one objection instead of the 1,168 people that have signed it.
"It was dismissed and we were told we should go away and think about it.
"The community were thrilled local councillors rejected the expansion plans for Pinebanks and neighbouring sites.
The pavillion in Pinebanks in 2008, before it lay vacant. Photo: Angela Sharpe - Credit: Archant © 2008
"However there are concerns that Broadland District Council will ignore the petition opposing the plans when it comes before their planning committee."
Both Cascade Communications, which represents the developers, and Broadland District Council have been contacted for comment.
