40-home development could expand Barford village by a third

Barford, located six and a half miles outside of the city, was earmarked for expansion in South Norfolk Council's recent Housing Allocations Plan. 

Described as a "compact settlement" of 500 people, it is set in the "attractive" valley of the River Tiffey and is characterised by mature tree planting.

A 12-acre plot of land in Barford has been earmarked for development (Image: Google) Much of the village forms part of the local flood alleviation scheme, constraining where future developments can be sited, but it hasn't stopped the authority from including it in the ambitious plan which is set to deliver around 1,330 homes in almost 50 villages across the district by 2038.

READ MORE: Driving simulator firm to open state-of-the-art facility at new innovation park

And when the blueprint was updated last month, just over 12 acres of land northeast of Church Lane were allocated for around 40 homes.

The development would include around 40 homes and a new village hall. This mock-up is not indicative of the final design (Image: South Norfolk Council) And in order for these new builds to go ahead, the developer who wins the contract must deliver a new village hall which will be "equal to or better" than the existing hall. 

The Chapel Street playing field should also be expanded and enhanced to address existing flooding problems that currently limit its use by locals. 

READ MORE: Plans for new Costco revealed, along with petrol station and 250 jobs

Additionally, the developer will have to work with the county council's highway authority to promote a 20mph speed limit along Chapel Road.

Barford's playground would also need upgrading should the development go ahead (Image: Google) The proposition has now gone before the village for consultation. 

Two prior consultations in January and February about Barford's future growth received a generally negative response. 

Concerns about the area's ability to effectively drain flood water were raised, as well as criticism over the lack of proposed drainage or prevention measures.

Other fears included the degradation of local heritage and increased traffic.