Champagne corks are flying after a hard-fought campaign succeeded in buying a beloved suburban deer park from a housing developer.
Old Catton Parish Council announced it had purchased the green space from Devlin Developments at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Friday evening.
The Attleborough-based housing company bought the land, which was the inspiration for Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, from the Buxton family in April 2022 and had intended to build on a "small part" of the land.
The Deer Park Action Group was formed to promote the protection of the Spixworth Road site, working alongside the parish council.
The park has been designated an Asset of Community Value and is likely to be awarded County Wildlife Site status.
Parish council chairman, Bradley Sabberton-Coe, said: "The parish council are delighted to have the opportunity to purchase the deer park and thank Devlin Developments for agreeing to the sale of the land to Old Catton.
"This is a significant and important green space within Old Catton that will now be protected for future generations.
"Devlin Developments have remained open and honest with the council regarding their intentions for the land but we are pleased they have now decided development is not feasible and to sell the land to the parish council.
"The people of Old Catton can now be assured that there will be no development on this beautiful green space.
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"We will now start the lengthy discussions with Natural England, Wildlife Trust, Historic England, Broadland District Council and the people of Old Catton on how the land will be managed to ensure the public can fully enjoy this space whilst protecting the significant flora and fauna that have been identified."
The figure the park was purchased for is currently unknown but parish council funds and a contribution from Broadland District Council will be used.
Cllr Sabberton-Coe added: "We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in reaching this positive conclusion."
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