Delight as homes bid rejected

CAMPAIGNERS hope to have won their fight against plans for new homes at Gorleston.

Residents of Bells Road packed into the council chamber on Tuesday to hear Great Yarmouth Borough Council development control committee reject Norfolk County Council's outline plans to build five two-storey houses and two flats.

Later, one of the objectors, Jacqueline Calder, said: “We are really pleased with the decision. We are concerned about the prospect the county will appeal, but we have something in place to deal with that eventuality.”

Earlier, her husband Philip had warned councillors of fears that the drainage system could be over-burdened, while there was no space in Bells Road for residents to park their cars.

He cited cases where back gardens had flooded during heavy rainfall. However, no objections to the plans had been received from Anglian Water. Mr Calder added: “You will need work done on the drainage system and high-ways problems to accom-modate the development. You as a council will have to take responsibility for the conse-quences if this goes ahead.”

Planning officers had advised approval of consent.

The developer's agent, Michael Kent, said the 10 residents' parking spaces and three visitor spaces on site would suffice for the new occupants, although this would amount to just one space per home. Planning regulations state there should be two spaces per home, although a reduced number is acceptable in areas with good public transport.

He said drainage concerns could be addressed at the detailed planning stage and added: “We feel we have come up with an adequate solution which addresses concerns.”

The development was ear-marked next to Royal Albert Court and behind homes fronting on to Bells Road.