Vet surgery plans progress despite sewage concerns

Plans to build a veterinary practice, café and office space on a farm were expected to be approved by a council despite concerns about sewage capacity.

The managers of Attleborough Hall Farm, Norfolk, applied to Breckland Council to transform a section of the site into a commercial hub spanning more than 2,200 sq m (23,681 sq ft).

Plans put forward by the Walker family, who manage the arable and dairy farm, include a 96-space car park with disabled bays and electric vehicle charging units.

Anglian Water has objected to the plans and claimed the town's recycling centre could not handle the extra sewage load that would be produced.

The firm added Attleborough would not have capacity for the extra waste until at least 2030 and that the prospect of connecting the development currently would be an "environmental risk".

To counter the sewage fears, the Walkers proposed using a private treatment plant that would divert waste into a nearby watercourse while the the café, veterinary practice and initial offices were built.

The site is north of the A11 and borders the Grade II listed Attleborough Hall.

Planning officers and the council's historic buildings officer have backed the plans and said the restoration of the traditional barns on the site – using matching brick, flint and timber – would enhance the Attleborough Hall's setting.

The demolition of several modern agricultural sheds was also welcomed by the authority as an improvement to the wider countryside.

The developer pledged to fund road improvements and a new pathway on Deopham Road to enhance pedestrian and cycling links from the town.

Breckland Council planning officers have recommended approval due to the new local employment opportunities that would be created from the restoration of the historical barns.

The application will go before the council's Planning Committee on Tuesday.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.