A decision over whether a major housing development in a coastal village should go ahead could avoid councillor scrutiny due to reports not being submitted in time.

Persimmon Homes' bid to build 173 homes on land at Nova Scotia Farm in West Caister was set to be decided by Great Yarmouth Borough (GYBC) councillors this week.

But due to officers from both the district authority and County Hall not submitting reports in time, members are being asked to delegate the decision to GYBC's head of planning to avoid any further delay to the start of construction work.

Eastern Daily Press: An aerial view of where the homes could be builtAn aerial view of where the homes could be built (Image: Google)

The development was previously approved at a heated meeting in July 2022 despite several objections from locals but now councillors were set to agree on the final design and layout of the homes.

If delegated powers are approved, it would mean that councillors will not be able to scrutinise the application, which had previously come under fire due to fears it could lead to hedgerows and trees being cut down.

Persimmon Homes has since said it will do its best to preserve and protect the hedgerows and wildlife. 

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In a report, officers said the circumstances "are unusual" but said a timely decision is essential in order to ensure the delivery of the houses for Caister is not delayed any further.

There are also conditions to prevent work on the surrounding highway network in the summer months, which could further affect the project.

Currently, the reports that are yet to be received include Norfolk County Council's Highways team, flood assessments from NCC, Historic England, the village parish council and GYBC's environmental health officer.

The matter will be discussed on Wednesday this week.