Knights Hill development King's Lynn set for go-ahead

Villagers battled proposals to build on land at Knights Hill, between the A149 and Grimston Road on the outskirts of King’s Lynn.

West Norfolk council originally turned down the development in 2019.

But it was given the go-ahead in 2020 after a four-day public inquiry.

Now West Norfolk's planning committee has been recommended to approve detailed plans for 574 houses drawn up by Barratt David Wilson Homes when it meets on Monday, November 6 - the final stage of the process before work begins.

A report to councillors says they will "provide for a high-quality place to live that has a strong and distinctive landscaped character".

The new homes will be built on land off the A148 Grimston Road at Knights Hill (Image: Google)South Wootton, North Wootton and Castle Rising parish councils object to the latest proposals.

In a  joint statement, they say: "The parishes and communities in West Norfolk deserve to be heard and not brushed aside especially when in pursuit of trying to secure better planning outcomes."

But the report to councillors adds: "The application has followed rules laid down in legislation and the scheme has been the subject of extensive consultation, and clearly the parishes have been consulted on this planning application in accordance with those rules."

It also concludes that the scheme will provide "affordable housing as well as an appropriate mix of market housing" and "a development that would achieve a healthy, inclusive and safe place".

There were fears the devlopment would harm the landscape around Castle Rising Castle (Image: Jon Williamson/Iwitness)Objections to the plans, which also include new shops, roads and sports pitches, included the amount of extra traffic as well as the strain on local schools and GP surgeries.

There were also fears that the development would harm the landscape around Grade I listed Castle Rising Castle, a nearby Norman landmark.

The site is originally believed to have been part of a hunting forest which stood alongside the ancient stronghold.