Norfolk village struggling with sewage issues gets 36 homes

The 36-home scheme in Gayton has been given the go-ahead by West Norfolk Council's planning committee despite several objections.

Several villagers have warned services will struggle to cope if the new housing is built.

An aerial view of the site in Gayton (Image: Google)

It follows 20 years of problems that have also affected neighbouring Grimston, caused by high groundwater and a sewer network struggling to cope with the volume of wastewater.

Michael De Whalley, a councillor for the area, said the village has been "bedevilled" by drainage issues for some time at a recent meeting.

READ MORE: Village struck by sewage problems again after heavy rain

He highlighted that Anglian Water has not objected to the development and said its systems can cope, despite also publicly acknowledging the issues.

Michael De Whalley, a councillor for Grimsotn and Gayton, worries about sewage problems in the area (Image: Newsquest)

"Anglian Water has admitted there are problems. Last year sewage was released from storm overflows for 1,600 hours from the Grimston treatment works. I am very concerned."

Developer David Marsham, who lives in the area, attempted to alleviate these fears. He claimed the scheme has been designed to minimise runoff from the site, for example with the creation of drainage basins.

"I am acutely aware of the concerns around drainage but as a developer, we have few levers we can pull," he said, adding that measures will be put in place to ensure the situation is not made worse by the new houses.

The proposed layout for the Gayton development (Image: West Norfolk Council)

However councillor Vivienne Spikings joined other members in praising the scheme and the benefits it will bring.

"I am pleased with how this has come forward. The A energy rating of the homes is superb which will help people with their [energy] bills."

When it came to the vote, the development was approved unanimously.