Former Swaffham police station demolition plans withdrawn

The plans submitted by Norfolk Constabulary would have seen the site in West Acre Road, Swaffham, transformed into six homes.

However, this application has now been withdrawn after local people objected to the development.

Matthew Wells, who lives next door to the property in the Old Courthouse, said the plans were a "gross infringement" of his rights.

The Old Courthouse on West Acre Road (Image: Google Maps)

Under the proposals, one two-bedroom and five three-bedroom houses with new driveways and a private access road would have been built in the space currently occupied by the former police station building and its garages.

Mr Wells said his home, which is currently attached to the police station building, would be overlooked and overshadowed by the new properties. 

"The layout, density and height of the development are all ill-considered," He added. "There is insufficient consideration to its neighbouring dwellings."

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James Savage, of Lynn Street, also raised objections to the plans. 

He said: "There seems to be a significant gap between the ongoing housing endeavours and the genuine needs, preferences, and desires of the existing community.

"Swaffham already grapples with insufficient employment opportunities, as well as shortages in essential services such as dentists and doctors.

"This inadequacy extends beyond the existing community's requirements, making it challenging to support an influx of newcomers into the town."

Swaffham Town Council also objected to the development, describing the design as "very poor" and failing to recognise the Old Courthouse as a residential property. 

A reason has not been given for the withdrawal of the application, which was due to be considered by Breckland Council.