Plan for 50 new homes in Woodton approved by council

South Norfolk Council has approved plans to build 50 new homes in Woodton, between Bungay and Brooke, on an eight-acre stretch of land currently used for farming. 

Many locals objected to the proposals amid fears that the development in Church Road would completely change the face of the village, currently home to around 700 people. 

If just two people moved into each new property, it would boost the local population by almost 15pc - but members of the parish council say the cumulative impact of other developments in Woodton would see an increase closer to 35pc. 

The development site in Woodton (Image: Google)

Fiona McCrostie, vice chair of the parish council, said: "We represent an extremely strong feeling in the village that is about to lose its rural character forever because of this. 

"This is not in keeping or proportionate with the rural aspect of a small village with very minimal amenities."

While the scheme includes a new footpath linking the site to the primary school, as well as a play area, Ms McCrostie said services such as a new local shop were in greater demand. 

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The Woodton village shop closed in May 2022 and was a 'social hub' for elderly village residents (Image: Bruno Brown)

The development also includes 17 affordable homes and will see the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph along a section of Church Road in an effort to address safety fears. 

A spokesman for the developers, Crocus Homes, said: "We've worked hard to address the parish council's concerns.

"We don't believe there are any substantiated adverse impacts resulting from this scheme but there are numerous benefits that will be experienced both by existing residents as well as new occupiers - including highway improvements and play space for children."

South Norfolk councillors approved the application at a meeting on Wednesday.