West Winch homes bid could be 'unblocked' by tweaked wording

West Norfolk Council (WNC) has earmarked land near West Winch, between King's Lynn and Downham Market, for 4,000 homes in its local plan - a document which identifies areas where new housing should be built between now and 2036.

Their fate became unclear after government officials assessing the suitability of the site questioned its location.

Following advice from a barrister, the Conservative-led WNC has agreed to remove the phrase 'growth corridor' from the plan, hoping it will help address the Planning Inspectorate's concerns.

The documents had referred to a "strategic growth corridor" stretching from King’s Lynn to Downham Market, but the inspectors said it was not clear why West Winch was getting so much of the development.

Several opposition councillors at a recent meeting questioned whether the move was enough.

Green councillor Michael de Whalley said: “I feel [this is] an attempt to play down the seriousness of our transgressions with the local plan, I'm very concerned about the inspector’s response.” 

Michael de Whalley (Image: Archant)

Mr de Whalley has previously argued the inspector's real concern was whether development would be overly reliant on car transport, which goes against future planning legislation.

Charles Joyce, the leader of the Labour group, also criticised the location.

He said: “It’s a massive amount – it's a small town of additional properties – with very limited infrastructure. 

“This is too many houses in West Winch and I suspect that is what the local plan inspectors were saying.” 

Richard Blunt, cabinet member for development, argued inspectors had not challenged the council's recommendation but wanted more evidence to support it.

He also promised it was not the end of the process and councillors and the public would be able to comment further in the future.