Barford locals raise objections over 40-home development

Villagers in Barford have hit back at proposals for a 40-house development and a playing field to be constructed in Church Lane.

They say the scheme, which is part of South Norfolk’s Council’s Housing Allocations Plan, will cause overcrowding, increase car dependency, impact businesses and create a serious flood risk. 

Barford people plan to fight proposals for a new 40-home development on the north side of the village (Image: Creative Commons)

A complaint against the plans highlights that much of Barford and nearby Wramplingham already struggles with frequent flooding and sewage pollution and the area's alleviation scheme is "unlikely" to cope with the sudden increase in houses.

This "nightmare issue" is caused in part by privately owned surface water ditches that lead to the River Tiffey which have to be cleared by hand by their increasingly elderly owners.

They also object saying that the extra traffic generated by the new homes will likely create more difficulties along Church Lane, Cock Street and B1108 road to Norwich. 

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The village is already located a "long distance" from many services such as shops and surgeries, secondary schools and large employment centres, meaning any new traffic issues created by the Church Lane development would further impact the 500-odd occupants. 

Because of this, the objectors claim there is "no overriding economic, environmental or community benefit" from the building of the new homes. 

A 12-acre plot of land in Barford has been earmarked for development (Image: Google)

The Barford and Wramplingham Parish Council is also concerned that developers will avoid long-term responsibility once the site is built. 

A spokesman said: "The lack of enforceable safeguards will enable developers and designers to make their money and walk away from ensuing problems, leaving villagers affected to pick up the pieces."

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The development would include around 40 homes and a new village hall (Image: South Norfolk Council)

There was also the question of land ownership, with the Church Lane site on lease to the council until 2038. 

The land can only be built on if the public voted to hand it over to developers, but because it is "crucial to the amenity of the residents", the loss of it would be "significant". 

These objections, numbering more than 90, will be submitted to South Norfolk Council for consideration.