Row over plans for homes in Horsford

A row has developed over plans for scores of homes on a site in Horsford that could contain prehistoric remains.

Proposals for the redevelopment of land next to Pinelands industrial estate in Holt Road will be determined by Broadland council on Wednesday<24>, where councillors are recommended to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

The plans submitted by Norwich-based Lovells Partnerships are for the erection of 63 homes – 38 of them affordable - the provision of 0.35 hectares of open space and about 680 sq m of light industrial use.

But objections to the plans have been raised by Horsford Parish Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), several neighbours, and Norfolk Landscape Archaeology, which is part of Norfolk County Council's Archaeology and Environment division.

In a report to the council, Norfolk Landscape Archaeology has highlighted the proximity of a barrow cemetery to the area, raising the possibility of further prehistoric remains.

And it adds: 'In addition, barrow cemeteries frequently form the focus for early medieval settlement highlighting further possibilities of deposits of archaeological interest.'

The report also highlights that 60pc of the site is outside the settlement limit for Horsford outlined in the Broadland district local plan, and therefore contrary to policy.

Planning officers also highlight in the report a further policy consideration - the proposed joint core strategy that has been submitted to the Secretary of State, and identifies Horsford as a service village to accommodate new housing allocations of 10-20 homes or possibly more to meet targets within the Norwich policy area.

Horsford Parish Council has also objected on the grounds that the development is unsuited to the village as it represents an over-development of the site.

A letter of objection was also sent by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) stating that it would be premature to grant planning permission given that part of the site is outside the settlement limit.

Letters have also been sent by neighbours, who warn that existing schools and doctors' surgeries are full and this development would place further pressure on existing facilities.

Officers are recommending councillors delegate authority to the head of development, management and conservation to grant planning permission subject to the issues of archaeology and surface water drainage being agreed, the satisfactory resolution of a Section 106 agreement, and other conditions.