A huge housing development, set to become the biggest in West Norfolk, finally has the green light after more than a decade in the pipeline.
The proposals for 1,100 homes in West Winch, near King's Lynn, have been approved by West Norfolk Council after extensive debate.
The new estate will completely change the face of the village, currently home to less than 3,000. If just two people lived in each property the population would be boosted by around 70pc.
The Hopkins Homes application has been a major point of controversy since the farmland was first earmarked for 4,000 houses in 2011. This development on the site is the first to be approved by the council.
More than 140 villagers lodged objections with the authority due to fears about extra pressures the homes will put on services in the area, including schools, hospitals and doctor surgeries.
The scheme includes plans for a primary school, local centre, open spaces and new access roads, but many councillors believe these facilities will not be enough.
Simon Nash, district councillor for West Winch ward, said: "This application is one of the largest developments ever to take place in West Norfolk and it will forever change the dynamic and social structure of the area.
"Our public services and road networks are already under incredible pressure. This is not a game of SimCity - and if it was we would be on course for failure."
Many are also worried about the impact of the development on traffic, as the government is yet to commit to the £90m sought by Norfolk County Council for a new access road which will connect the A47 with the A10 and is vital to help ease congestion in the area.
However, some councillors said this was a case of "chicken and egg" and stressed that houses needed to be built in order to procure an investment from the Department for Transport.
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Simon Ring, deputy leader of the council, said: "We can't predict whether the government will pull the plug on this road - but we will fall into a quagmire of problems if we don't pass this application.
"We face losing the bypass that everyone has wanted since I was a little boy."
Councillors approved the application at a meeting this afternoon.
A spokesman for Hopkins Homes said: "We are pleased that the West Norfolk Council planning committee has approved the first stage of the West Winch development.
"This decision marks a significant milestone in delivering a number of much-needed homes and essential infrastructure for the King’s Lynn community.
"We are excited to continue our work on this important project."
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