A new business park will be created on the outskirts of Lynn after planners gave the green light at a meeting on Monday.
Morston Assets outline application to build offices and industrial units on farmland near the Hardwick roundabout were approved by West Norfolk Council’s planning committee.
But Snettisham ward member Zipha Christopher raised concerns about flooding and warned that the committee was “asking for trouble” by building on the site.
The Holt-based company is looking to transform 26 hectares of farmland between the Pinguin Latosa factory and the Kings Reach estate. It is close to the new Sainsbury’s store and its link road.
The business park would include light and general industrial space, offices along with storage and distribution units.
It is hoped to create 2,000 jobs and encourage investment in the town.
Speaking after the meeting Morston Assets planning manager Rob Snowling said: “We are very pleased with the result. It is what we were hoping for.
“Now we have established the principle of development, that will enable us to take it to the market.”
The meeting was told that the site is at a high risk of flooding and that the applicant was looking to mitigate this by creating a pond on the opposite side of the A149 for surface water to run into. This water would then be discharged into the water course.
But Mrs Christopher said there was always water standing on the field and express concerns that it could drain into Kings Reach.
She said: “Are we just a bit batty to build on flood plane?
“Rainfall seems to be steadily increasing in this country. I think we are asking for trouble to build here.”
The meeting was told that the Environment Agency and the Lynn Internal Drainage Board had not made any objection in terms of the drainage of surface water.
Morston Assets had also asked to be given five years to develop the site instead of the three stated in the planning conditions.
North Lynn ward member David Collis said the site had a “lot of potential” but did not want to deviate from the three-year condition.
The application was passed with one abstention from Mrs Christopher.
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