The end to a year-long dispute could finally be in sight as controversial plans for a heavy industry business to move into a Norfolk village are set to be refused.

The development of Coughtrey Industrial Estate in Griston, near Watton, will be recommended for refusal at a meeting of Breckland Council's planning committee next week. 

The plans, which would see heavy industry fabrication business Eastern Attachments move into the estate, were considered by the committee in January last year. 

The decision was deferred following a legal challenge from Griston Community Group, which urged the applicants to reconsider the impact of potential noise, air quality and smell on nearby residential properties - including recently constructed retirement homes.

However, a report to the council states that Eastern Attachments has provided no further information regarding the environmental impact of its proposals. 

Eastern Daily Press: MP George Freeman met with the Griston Community Group outside the gates of Coughtrey trading estateMP George Freeman met with the Griston Community Group outside the gates of Coughtrey trading estate (Image: Griston Community Group)John Heath, leader of the Griston Community Group, said: "The whole thing is absolutely bonkers and this has been of massive concern to residents. 

"We're pleased that the main application for the site is recommended for refusal and I appreciate that the council is being more considerate of the community and our concerns around health and wellbeing."

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Mr Heath believes his group may encounter further difficulties as a decision remains to be made on two further applications made by Eastern Attachments for permission to change the use of the site. 

He added: "We're not quite there yet. If they are given permission for heavy industrial use of the site then we could end up back where we started."

The main application will be recommended for refusal at a meeting on March 12. 

A report to Breckland Council states: "The local planning authority cannot conclude that the proposals would not have a significant environmental impact, nor that they would not impact the amenity of neighbouring properties in terms of noise, air quality, and odour impacts.

"The proposal is therefore not considered to be acceptable in this location."