Plans for five new homes on the outskirts of the city have finally been approved after more than two years of trying, despite strong opposition from locals.

A traditional 1930s home in Brundall will be demolished as early as August 1 as Broadland District Council approves plans for several bungalows to be built on the land behind.

The work will see the meadow behind St George, located at 15 Highfield Avenue, transformed into five bungalows, each with garages, with an access road.

St George at 15 Highfield Avenue will be demolished as early as AugustSt George at 15 Highfield Avenue will be demolished as early as August (Image: Newsquest)

The plans have taken nearly three years to get approval after they were initially denied in July 2022 with an appeal then refused in August 2023.

Officials at Brundall Parish Council were strongly against the development, saying: "We believe the proposed and unnecessary demolition of this house and the over-development of its surrounding gardens would be an insensitive and careless interpretation of local housing policy and planning regulations.

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"It would be a tragic physical loss, not only to the immediate locale of Highfield Avenue and its neighbouring residents but also to the village as a whole."

Mrs Judi Byrne, who lives at Little Oak, directly next to St George, objected to the build and only found out that the application had been approved when a demolition notice was posted through her door at the weekend.

Five bungalows, all of a slightly different design, will be built on the meadow behind the homes along the roadFive bungalows, all of a slightly different design, will be built on the meadow behind the homes along the road (Image: C W Johnson via Broadland District Council)

"It is so sad that such a lovely home is going to be demolished," she said.

"I'm really disappointed that it will be going ahead.

"My home is directly next to the house and the demolition will cause a major mess.

"It's a massive shame."

Eleanor Laming is a Green party councillor for BrundallEleanor Laming is a Green party councillor for Brundall (Image: Cllr Eleanor Laming)

Councillor Eleanor Laming, who represents the area at Broadland District Council, was also opposed to the applications.

She said: "I do sympathise with neighbouring residents and understand that the demolition and construction will cause a disturbance.

"I am disappointed that the application for five dwellings on the site has been approved but the correct process in terms of planning policy has been followed. 

"However, I understand that this result is frustrating to all those who have raised objections or concerns and, in particular, for those who live nearby.

The homes will be built in a meadow behind Judi's homeThe homes will be built in a meadow behind Judi's home (Image: Newsquest)

"I am pleased that the planning department has put conditions in to try and reduce the disturbance for the neighbours during the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of the new ones. "

Despite approving the plans, Broadland District Council has issued the applicant, Mr A Jones, 16 conditions with which he has to comply to build the homes.

He has until June 15, 2027, to start the work.