The outcome of a planning application which has left residents of a Breckland village ‘up in arms’ has been deferred after a legal challenge.

Villagers in Griston are strongly against plans that could see Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into the Coughtrey Trading Estate.

A spokesman for the Griston community group has confirmed they challenged the application on April 14 on six grounds.

It was due to go before Breckland Council’s planning committee on April 18, but with the challenge, the vote has been pushed back with a decision date unknown at the time of writing. 

The Griston community spokesman added: “This matter is now with our legal team. 

“The proposed B2 industrial use is by definition inappropriate in this location being the residential village of Griston and the council has failed to assess fully, and in some cases at all, the environmental impact of the proposed development on residential amenities and living conditions of the residents of Griston.”  

A spokesman from Breckland Council said: “ We can confirm correspondence has been received, which we are currently reviewing.”

Villagers in Griston are protesting the plans which could see the fabrication business, move into the trading estate, which they say will be alongside housing and recently constructed retirement homes within metres of the boundary.

Eastern Daily Press: A spokesman for the Griston community group has confirmed they have challenged the application on April 14 on six groundsA spokesman for the Griston community group has confirmed they have challenged the application on April 14 on six grounds (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHIC © 2009)

The Griston community spokesman added: “The community of Griston can attest to the Coughtrey Trading Estate being, for more than the last 20 years, light industry and warehousing units.

“This is not a suitable site to be replaced with a heavy industry fabrication business, surrounded by residential properties.”

Plans were approved by Breckland Council's planning committee back in January but were set to go back to them with additional information on April 18.

It is unknown when a resolution to the challenge is expected.