Weston Longville pool plan rejected by senior councillor

Peter Bulman, a Broadland District councillor for Great Witchingham, said the fourth application lodged by Trevor Pimlott to hire out his Weston Longville pool is "bordering on being vexatious" because of the number of times previous plans have already been refused. 

Cllr Bulman also added: "The site is not a suitable location for the proposed development because there is no access by any sustainable means of travel.

"It adversely affects highway safety by increasing traffic movements within the parish via narrow country lanes without identified passing places."

However, while Broadland and South Norfolk District Council remain undecided over the retrospective bid, other neighbours have pledged their support. 

The plans are proposed for the property along Field Road (Image: Google Maps) READ MORE: Officials for city council back plans for controversial padel court

One person, who lives at Haverscroft Close, said: "It is difficult to see how this limited and controlled use could reasonably cause any disruption or negative impact to neighbouring properties. 

"On the contrary, I believe it represents a positive and well-managed way to make use of an existing facility offering opportunities for recreation, fitness and community benefit without significant changes to the surrounding environment."

Another person said: "I and my family wholeheartedly support this application and cannot see why it would not be approved. "

They continued: "It would be of great benefit to locals to be able to use this pool for fitness and leisure on an appointment basis." 

He first lodged the bid for the pool on Field Road in 2023, then again in 2024 and another one earlier this year. 

Across all three applications, Trevor's plans received 56 objections and a staggering 80 votes of support. 

In a new application, which was lodged at the end of July, agents for Trevor included a traffic report to plead their case.

They argued the report "concluded that the impact on traffic generation will be insignificant". 

Trevor has also reduced the number of slots available to help ease the number of vehicles driving through the area.