Acle development of 200 houses would cause 'chaos'

Jimmi Lee, member of Broadland District Council, said the scheme on land between Leffins Lane and Jolly's Lane in Acle would bring "despair" to villagers owing to the lack of adequate infrastructure and services.

Crocus Homes is targeting the 20-hectare site for the scheme which would also include an independent living centre for over-55s, a country park, community building and car parks.

The developer says the proposals will deliver "a high quality development that respects the character of Acle".

Councillor Jimmi Lee has criticised plans for a new development of 200 houses in Acle. (Image: Broadland District Council) More: Norfolk's newest councillor already in hot water over his social media posts

But Mr Lee, who represents the village on Broadland District Council, said he would oppose all proposed housing developments in the village, which has a population of 2,200, unless they included new doctors' surgeries, dentists, chemists and schools.

He then questioned the "professionalism" of Crocus Homes, claiming that another of their projects, the 45-house development called Oaks Meadow, also in Acle, "has not been completed some three and a half years after all homes were occupied".

Mr Lee asked how the developer can consider starting a new project when they "cannot even complete" the pathways and the entrance at Oaks Meadow.

Crocus Homes has declined to comment on Mr Lee's claims.

The plans for Leffins Lane were submitted in January 2023 and since then they have racked up almost 50 objections. 

One villager said: "This proposed development is in the wrong place and would cause long term overdevelopment of a village.

"It should be on one of the sites already agreed for development under GNLP."

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The houses would range from one to four-bedrooms and the independent living community would boast 90 apartments.

A spokesperson for Crocus Homes previously said they believe in the proposed development because of its "sustainable location".

Broadland District Council will discuss the plans on October 8.