Repeated rounds of applause filled Old Catton's church hall at a momentous meeting as elated - and relieved - locals were told that their beloved green space had been saved.

The news that the area's deer park had been purchased from a development company by the parish council was announced by chairman Bradley Sabberton-Coe at an extraordinary general meeting on Friday night.

The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, removes the threat of the site being used for housing. Previous owners, Devlin Developments, had wanted to build homes on some of the land.

The papers were signed at the front of the busy hall and witnessed by Peter Crisp, former Old Catton councillor and deer park activist of four decades.Norwich Evening News: Peter Crisp, left, witnesses Old Catton Parish Council councillors signing paperwork to transfer ownership of the deer park to the bodyPeter Crisp, left, witnesses Old Catton Parish Council councillors signing paperwork to transfer ownership of the deer park to the body (Image: Maya Derrick)

Thanks were expressed for the community for their work in campaigning to save the land from being partially developed for homes - specifically to the Deer Park Action Group (DPAG) and its chairwoman Kathy Branson for working to protect it and gathering data about the site's environmental significance.

Norwich Evening News: Deer park, Old CattonDeer park, Old Catton

The council and DPAG hope to work together to establish a Friends of the Deer Park group to inform future decisions and ensure its long-term enjoyment, management and protection.

Norwich Evening News: Kathy Branson, left, with councillors at the extraordinary Old Catton Parish Council meeting which announced that the deer park had been purchased from Devlin DevelopmentsKathy Branson, left, with councillors at the extraordinary Old Catton Parish Council meeting which announced that the deer park had been purchased from Devlin Developments (Image: Maya Derrick)

Kathy said: "I'm over the moon.

"I've always known the deer park is important but since we started the campaign we realised just how it speaks to the heart of people who grew up in Old Catton.

Norwich Evening News: The deer park inspired Anna Sewell's Black BeautyThe deer park inspired Anna Sewell's Black Beauty (Image: Deer Park Action Group)

"The fact that it's been saved is amazing."

Broadland district councillor and DPAG member Karen Vincent added: "This is a momentous decision.

Norwich Evening News: Broadland district councillors Karen Vincent and Ken Leggett, both representatives of Old Catton, at the meeting where the deer park's sale was announcedBroadland district councillors Karen Vincent and Ken Leggett, both representatives of Old Catton, at the meeting where the deer park's sale was announced (Image: Maya Derrick)

"The deer park is simply unique. It's not just of historic importance, it's a visual amenity which is readily enjoyed by all in the community.

"Equally it's an important natural habitat which supports a myriad of wildlife.

Norwich Evening News: Horses in Old Catton's deer parkHorses in Old Catton's deer park (Image: Kathy Branson)

"We will work to maintain it for generations to come."

Peter Crisp said: "I cannot explain how I feel.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Crisp, left, with Old Catton Parish Council chairman Bradley Sabberton-Coe who announced that the council had bought the deer parkPeter Crisp, left, with Old Catton Parish Council chairman Bradley Sabberton-Coe who announced that the council had bought the deer park (Image: Maya Derrick)

"This achievement is mammoth.

"It's been very emotional. This started 40 years ago when the first application went in for just a simple horse box to be built on that field.

"For the people of Old Catton going forward, this legacy is huge."