Plans for 300 homes off Wroxham Road in Rackheath lodged

Halsbury Homes want to build 300 homes and commercial units on land off Wroxham Road in Rackheath, north of the industrial estate.

It follows an earlier proposal in 2021 but the firm was forced to scale back its plans following objections from its competitor. 

The site could be built on land north of the Rackheath industrial estate (Image: Google Maps)

Initially, Halsbury Homes wanted to build 350 residential dwellings.

Taylor Wimpey -  which also has plans for thousands of homes next door - objected on the grounds it would "jeopardise" the area's future development as the number of residential homes overrides the endorsed "masterplan" for the Rackheath development.

Halsbury has resubmitted its plans after scaling back the number of homes to 300, 30pc of which will be affordable homes, along with 4.47 hectares of commercial units and public green open spaces.

Taylor Wimpey has said it is currently reviewing the new application.

Criticism of the development remains over fears the roads will be unable to cope with the extra traffic it will bring.

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One objector said: "It does remain a mystery to me why there has been such a long-standing desire by local authorities to build so many large developments at Rackheath, as in my opinion, it is probably the worst location in the whole district to build so many houses due to the existing congestion issues.

A new roundabout is proposed as part of the plans for the A1151 Wroxham Road as well as the creation of a new footpath and cycleway.

The Environment Agency has also objected to the initial plans due to "risks of pollution to controlled waters."

This is due to the development being close to a principal aquifer - an important groundwater site.

The public will be able to comment on the plans this month until August 17.