South Norfolk Council approves 100 new homes in Scole

South Norfolk Council has given the green light for Hopkins Homes to build a new estate off Norwich Road in Scole, near Diss. 

The development will increase the village in size by almost 20pc and has faced significant pushback from locals who fear the loss of their rural way of life. 

However, councillors approved the application in light of pledges by the developer to provide a new sports pitch for the village and £170,000 to refurbish an existing car park.

Colin Edwards, who lives close to the development site in Scole, believes the views of local people have been ignored. Many fear the new housing will worsen issues with flooding in the village. 

Flooding in Scole in 2016 (Image: Denise Bradley) He said: "I feel like this is a David and Goliath situation. We are fed up and I wonder why we should bother anymore. 

"I have lived here for a decade and it is a nice, quiet, secluded area. But these decisions are being taken away from local people and Norfolk is losing its identity."

The site in Scole was originally earmarked for 50 new houses, but district councillors decided to go against their own policy to approve the Hopkins Homes proposal for 112 properties. 

READ MORE: Norfolk town to grow by 30pc after huge new development approved

The site earmarked for new housing in Scole (Image: Google) Christian Partridge, chairman of Scole United football club, said: "We have been looking for a new pitch for quite some time as we are currently split over three sites, this is eroding our identity as a club. 

"Having more young people in the village would improve our numbers and it would be lovely to bring the club back home."

Acle Utd v Scole Utd (Image: Antony Kelly) The village currently has about 640 homes, so will increase significantly in size under the plans.

South Norfolk Council's planning committee approved the application at a meeting on Wednesday October 23 and construction is expected to begin next summer. 

Jonathan Lieberman, head of planning at Hopkins Homes, said: "We are pleased that South Norfolk Council has approved our plans to build 112 much-needed homes, including affordable housing, in the village of Scole.

"This development not only delivers a variety of house types but also creates additional playing fields that will benefit local sports clubs by linking with existing village facilities.

"There will also be the provision of public open space, a play area, and improvements to landscaping and infrastructure.

"We look forward to working closely with South Norfolk Council to finalise full planning permission for this site and ensure it benefits Scole and the wider community."