New homes approved in Norfolk village despite school fears

More than 100 new homes will be built on the site of an old pub despite fears there will not be enough school places.

The development has been approved for Chapel Street in Shipdham, near Dereham in Norfolk, where existing buildings were demolished earlier this year.

The Parish Council said it supported the plan as it would bring "more affordable" houses for local people.

Some residents were worried about the impact on the local surgery and traffic.

The 160-year-old Waggon and Horses Pub closed in 1956 and was then used as a house and business premises.

The housing firm Places and People wants to turn the 3.7 hectare (9.1 acre) site into an estate of 102 homes, with two to four bedrooms, all of which will be affordable.

The Parish Council said it "actively supports the provision of more affordable and shared ownership dwellings, particularly for local people".

It also requested a contribution from the developer towards sport and recreation in the village.

Places and People told Breckland Council that paying the full £1m estimated "community levy cost" to help fund public services in the area, such as roads and schools, would be unviable.

Council officers said it was an important scheme due to the number of affordable homes it would create and the lack of funding for local schools would instead have to be covered by Norfolk County Council.

There were also concerns from some councillors that the development could have been at risk of flooding.

It is expected a report by the local flood authority will follow in the new year and council officers will formally approve the project if there are no objections.

The development was approved unanimously by members of the planning committee.

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