Dozens of homes planned for former council HQ site

At least 60 new homes will be built on the site of a former council headquarters which was controversially demolished.

South Norfolk District Council (SNDC) said it had agreed to sell the site of its old HQ in Long Stratton to developers for £1.3m.

Campaigners opposed to the proposals to knock down South Norfolk House argued it could be used as a community centre instead.

But the Conservative-run council said the sale would generate funds for the authority, and the planned homes would all be "affordable".

The building was left empty after the authority moved to a new office at Broadland Business Park in 2022, which it shares with Broadland District Council.

Long Stratton Town Council argued it could be repurposed for community use, but district councillors agreed it could be torn down.

SNDC planned to sell the land to its own property company but that deal fell apart.

It said it had now agreed a deal with Island Land - subject to planning permission being granted - which council leader Daniel Elmer called "more than just a property transaction".

"By securing an agreement for 100% affordable housing, we are ensuring that Long Stratton remains vibrant, accessible, and home to local people for generations to come," he said.

But South Norfolk Labour MP Ben Goldsborough said "serious questions still remain over the sale".

He added the building could have been a local hub "but the district council ignored our voices and flogged off a valuable community asset".

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