Developer revives plan for 600 new homes in town

A developer has revived plans to build nearly 600 homes on land at the edge of a town after an earlier proposal was withdrawn.

Gladman Developments has submitted an application to South Norfolk Council regarding land at Norwich Common in Wymondham, Norfolk.

The firm, based in Cheshire, previously lodged a bid to build 630 homes and a primary school on the land in 2019, but it was withdrawn four years later amid backlash from residents after complaints the town had already grown "too large".

The bid has been scaled back to 595 properties but will also include a local centre and green public spaces.

It is one of the largest housing schemes to have been proposed in the area near Wymondham, which has a population of 17,500 people, according to the 2021 census.

The site is also close to Kett's Oak, which has been named one of Britain's greatest 50 trees by the Tree Council and is reputed to be where nine of Robert Kett's followers were hanged after the failed rebellion in 1549.

The proposals were previously met with opposition, including objections from National Highways due to concerns about the influx of traffic onto the A11 and Thickthorn roundabout.

South Norfolk Council said it would make a decision on the application at a later date.

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