Pressure group blamed for unwanted housing as further homes approved
Members of SNUB (Stop Norwich Urbanisation). Photo: Denise Bradley - Credit: �Archant Photographic 2009
A Broadland councillor has laid the blame for unwanted housing developments in the district squarely at the door of pressure group Stop Norwich Urbanisation (SNUB).
Ian Graham, for Aylsham, told the planning committee delays caused by SNUB in actions against the Joint Core Strategy left the five year land supply lagging.
It comes as another 259 homes were given the green light to the north of Horsford, planted between the village and various county wildlife sites.
Almost 100 residents had objected to the plans from David Wilson Homes, who admitted being 'in breach of conditions' when constructing their last site at Butterfly Mill - building homes before the infrastructure was delivered.
Approving the plans, some members of the committee felt they had 'no alternative'.
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Mark Smith, of Horsford Parish Council, told the committee: 'We are disappointed the five year housing supply is not there. We were here a few years ago and now we are back here again.'
Claire Gunn, a resident of Holt Road adjacent to the development site, added: 'At present small developments which do not require provision of services are eating away at the village and the quality of life.'
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Councillors expressed their concerns over the siting of an access roundabout and proximity to the wildlife sites.
Tony Adams, for Hellesdon, said there were 'several problems' with the application. 'If we had a five year land supply we would not be sitting here and this probably would never have come forward,' he said.
Mr Graham said: 'The reason these houses are being built goes back a number of years with what the pressure group SNUB did. If they had not delayed everything I believe we would have had a five year land supply by now and all the problems we have now would not have arisen.
'I have no doubt if we turn this down - unless for exceptional grounds - the inspector would again put his muddy footprints all over us. I do not see we have any alternative.'
The vote was passed almost unanimously with Claudette Bannock, for Taverham, voting against.
SNUB were not available for comment.