Plans to build flats in Thorpe Marriott car park refused

The proposals to construct two one-bedroom flats and four garages in The Square in Thorpe Marriott received more than 33 formal objections and 340 signatures on a Change.org petition to block the plans.

People living in the area objected to the scheme for several reasons, including that it would adversely affect the businesses in The Square, cause highway safety issues with additional parking along the road and not benefit the community.

The plans were for two flats in the car park (Image: DFAL, via Broadland District Council) But Benjamin Hall, the developer behind the plans, argued that the flats would make use of an "underutilised" part of the car park.

However, Taverham Parish Council sided with the locals and lodged an objection to the plans, saying that "the proposal would negatively impact on neighbouring properties and businesses, parking was already a problem on this site and any building work would exacerbate this problem."

The flats would have gone in the corner of the car park - where the glass bins are currently stored (Image: Google)READ MORE: Backlash against plans to build massive pig farm in outskirts of city

Broadland District Councillor for Taverham and Thorpe Marriott, Stuart Clancy, also listed several reasons why the project should not get the green light.

Cllr Stuart Clancy (Image: Broadland District Council) He said that the flats would be "extremely damaging to the retail shops in The Square" and that the development of the car park would result in "more car parking on neighbouring roads and verges and result in potential safety concerns."

Broadland District Council officially refused the plans on October 21 on the grounds that the flats would "harm" both the viability of the district centre and "jar" with the character and appearance of the area.

The Square is home to a Tesco, a pub and a community centre, among other businesses (Image: Google)