More homes in Blofield Heath near Norwich face backlash

Blofield Heath could face further development under the proposals, which would see the houses built in the south of the village, along Woodbastwick Road.

While only five self-build homes have been suggested for the farmland, local councillors have warned against overdeveloping the area.

Plans are in the very early stages (Image: Studio 35)

Councillor Andrew Proctor, who represents Blofield and Brundall at Norfolk County Council, said: "There are a couple of key issues that need to be considered in line with this application.

"The Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) specifies where development can take place.

"The second is the government's desire to build at all costs.

Cllr Andrew Proctor (Image: Broadland District Council)

"Nobody denies the need for more homes but they have to be in the right place at the right time, with the infrastructure in place.

"Blofield has had more than its fair share of homes and cramming in more houses makes no sense.

"Regardless of the government's building policy, building in the area will still be governed by the GNLP, and any development will be in accordance with this."

Only three homes can be built on the proposed site according to the GNLP - a fact that the applicants at Mayes & Co Limited point out in the planning statement. 

However, they argue that the five homes would come with "significant highway benefits".

Cllr Paul Newstead (Image: Broadland and South Norfolk Council)

Paul Newstead, Conservative Broadland councillor for Blofield, has raised questions about the wisdom of further building, without the jobs and infrastructure in place to support the future homeowners.

He said: "This planning application needs wider debate than just building five homes. 

"It is all very well having these houses but where are the homeowners going to work? 

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"There aren't any plans for new factories or anything similar in the area.

"In Blofield, there will soon be a bigger health centre and pharmacy and a new primary school, all of which will be completed in the next few years.

"But there isn't a doctor's surgery or pharmacy in Blofield Heath, and there isn't a footpath to connect the two villages.

"The villages need to become more cohesive to best serve the people who live there."

Broadland District Council will aim to decide on the plans by October 18.

The homes could be built on former farmland in Woodbastwick Road (Image: Google)

WHAT IS THE GNLP?

The Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) could provide around 45,000 new homes and 33,000 jobs across both urban and rural areas by 2038.

Under the scheme 33pc of new homes will consist of affordable housing. 

It includes thousands of homes allocated for towns including Trowse, Rackheath, Sprowston and Wymondham. 

It was created by Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council and was adopted in March 2024.

The GNLP says which sites can be developed, and how many homes can be built in certain areas, to help avoid over-building while also hitting housing targets.