A house builder looking to put a road through a recreation ground has pulled out due to “the very significant number of objections.”
Controversy has surrounded Badger Building’s plan for 96 homes off East Anglian Way in Gorleston with an access road across the park in Church Lane, triggering an outcry, numerous letters and a 1,500 signature petition.Those who held their hands up against the scheme received letters this week telling them the plans had been withdrawn and instead the developer wanted an earlier scheme for 71 houses to be considered.
Peter Oram, 34, of Recreation Road, who actively campaigned against the proposal welcomed the outcome.
He said: “We are all delighted. We are hesitant to say it is total victory because you never know how things are going to go.
“We do understand the need for housing but not at the expense of open space and parks.
“All the residents around the area got involved. Everyone was horrified and this result is a credit to everyone. No-one wanted to see a road on that recreation ground.”
Mr Oram added that Sport England was a good ally, saying it would object on the grounds the site would not be able hold full-scale cricket matches and that it was prepared to take its opposition higher if the plan was allowed.
Edward Gilder land and planning manager for Badger Building, said: “On account of the very significant number of objections, including from Sport England, concerned about loss of playing pitch space, we have withdrawn the application for 96 dwellings and asked the council to determine the original scheme for 71 served off East Anglian Way.”
He went on to say that the scheme with the car park and drop off provision was, in Badger Building’s view, the best prospect for a solution to the school congestion problem.
He added: “Without that provision there was no other obvious solution. The company expected any permission granted to require the drop off and car park space to be built first so that it was available from the outset, with it being available for parents to use before any of the houses were occupied.”
As well as the loss of green space residents were worried about traffic in busy Church Lane where thousands of college students already jostled for places every day.
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