Holkham Estate plans to build 51 homes in Wells-next-the-Sea

The homes would be built off Mill Road on the western edge of Wells-next-the-Sea by the Holkham Estate, which owns practically all of the land surrounding the town. 

Holkham does not plan to lodge a planning application for the scheme until later this summer but has already published details online and sent out brochures to neighbours. 

A site layout plan for the proposed site leading off Mill Road in Wells. (Image: Feilden+Mawson LLP/Holkham)

The project would be a mix of 'affordable' housing, rental properties and open market sales, with 55pc of homes allocated to "local housing provision". 

Geoff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Rigg Planning, said: "There is a current shortage of homes being delivered in Wells and the wider district.

"The emerging North Norfolk District Plan has identified the site off Mill Road as a sustainable option to meet this demand."

Holkham says 10pc of the homes would be rented out by Holkham to people already living and working in Wells.

The estate will have 1.5 acres of public open space, and 45pc of the homes would be offered for private sale.

James Bracey, Holkham's general manager for land and property, said: “We are keenly aware of the difficulty local people face in finding affordable accommodation in one of the most sought-after locations to live and visit in the country."

Wells-next-the-Sea from above (Image: Mike Page)

READ MORE: Holkham Estate submits plans to build Burnham Market houses

Mr Bracey said the plan was part of Holkham's "plus plus" approach to boost housing for locals.

It aims to address four key housing issues in Wells - a diminishing private rental sector, a need for more affordable rental, the under-occupancy of larger dwellings, and a lack of affordable homes.

James Bracey, Holkham's general manager for land and property. (Image: Newsquest)

More than one-third of all properties in Wells are second or holiday homes, and the average price of a home in the town is more than 14 times the average household income.

READ MORE: Holkham Estate unveils latest phase of multi-million pound redevelopment

Holkham is Norfolk's largest private estate at just over 25,000 acres, and it is owned by Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester and member of the House of Lords.

Lord Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester and owner of Holkham Estate (Image: Roger Harris)

Holkham is running its own public consultation on its website about the plans, which is open until June 21.