Plans to build 300 homes in Thorpe St Andrew renewed

The project would see up to 300 houses built and the creation of a 150-acre community woodland park at Racecourse Plantations, just off Plumstead Road East in Thorpe St Andrew. 

It would also improve a footpath running along Plumstead Road, known as 'The Trod'.

Plans for the new Racecourse Plantation development off Plumstead Road East (Image: Hill) An initial outline application was submitted in late 2016, detailing the construction of "new, high-quality, well-designed, sustainable homes" - a third of which were classified as affordable homes.

Proposals also included open spaces, mini football pitches for under eights, children's play equipment and allotments. 

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But the scheme attracted widespread opposition from campaigners, local councillors and the county's wildlife trust over the loss of woodland.

Thirty six acres of woodland could be cleared for the development (Image: Archant Norfolk) Racecourse Plantation is made up of thousands of native and non-native trees and is designated as a County Wildlife Site. 

This led to the proposal being shot down by Broadland District Council. 

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The decision was appealed and in 2019, permission was granted after planning inspectors concluded the development would not result in an "adverse impact" on the area's biodiversity. 

At the time, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust said it was disappointed with the decision and Jason Beckett, treasurer for the campaign group The Friends of Thorpe Woodlands, said it was "not a good day for local democracy".

Thorpe woods, where the homes would be sited (Image: Mike Page) Then in 2021, controversy about the development's impact was reignited, with concerns raised about school spaces, GP appointments and a strain on public transport.

Three years later the proposal remains approved, with developer Hill Residential continuing to push through conditions which would allow it to start work. 

Most recently, an update to the development's access road via Plumstead Road was put forward which Hill hoped was "sufficient".