Cllr Laming has been quoted in an article on Housing development in Brundall in the Norwich Evening News - 6 January 2024.
In Brundall and Postwick however – an area bracing itself for almost 200 homes as part of the GNLP – a shortage of “adequate infrastructure” has left existing health and education services struggling to cope with demand.
“Many residents in the Brundall ward feel that the area has had to absorb a lot of new housing,” said councillor Eleanor Laming, who represents the area at Broadland District Council. “Some of which has yet to be built.
“Brundall village has had planning permission agreed for more houses than were originally allocated in the local plan.”
The decision to approve the controversial 170 home development came despite a petition signed by 750 locals which argued the area would be unable to cope with the additional homes.
The project was initially rejected by Broadland District Council, but planning inspector Zoe Raygen disagreed and overturned the council’s decision in 2020.
Ms Laming added: “New housing needs to be paired with adequate infrastructure and service provision but often this comes at a later date,” added Ms Laming.
“Housing growth has an impact on health and education services which can struggle to cope.
“Residents understand there is a need for more housing but we primarily need starter homes and affordable housing.
“Brundall and Postwick are rural villages and developments have been mainly on greenfield land, reducing land available for wildlife, putting pressure on small rural roads and transport systems, potentially increasing flood risk and increasing light pollution.
“They are attractive rural villages on the edge of Norwich and growth has changed their character and rural nature.”
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