IAN CLARKE A North Norfolk village described as “unique” is set to get a new planning status to protect its “special character.” Melton Constable developed during the period of rapid growth in the late 1880s and became a key junction on the railway network.

IAN CLARKE

A North Norfolk village described as “unique” is set to get a new planning status to protect its “special character.”

Melton Constable developed during the period of rapid growth in the late 1880s and became a key junction on the railway network.

Specifically designed houses and community buildings such as the school and old railway institute reflect the period.

Now, North Norfolk District Council has drawn up a conservation area character appraisal for the village and is about to put it out to public consultation during August and September.

On Thursday councillors will be asked to support the draft plan, which could be adopted in November.

A report to members by planning officers says: “In the context of North Norfolk, Melton Constable is a unique village. The railway heritage and general form and pattern of development make it a very special place. The layout and architectural detailing of the historic village core suggest almost a model village.”

Among the characteristics of village are terraces of original railway housing with Welsh slate roofs, streets dominated by parked vehicles, an “attractive and undulating” rural landscape and a busy main road with quieter linear streets leading off it.