Little Cressingham-based Abel Homes has gained planning consent to build 51 homes on the former Bernard Matthews turkey hatchery site in Castle Acre Road.

In doing so, the family-owned business has become the first housebuilder in Breckland to get approval within the Government's target timescale of 13 weeks.

Managing director Tony Abel said: "Our commitment to consultation with neighbours and with the town council, along with our ability to be flexible, has allowed us to achieve a smooth planning application. We worked very hard to ensure that a full portfolio of information was put before local residents and key decision-makers, and we were pleased to receive unanimous support – and positive comments – from members of Breckland's planning committee."

Bucking the gloomy housing trend, Abel Homes plans to start work this autumn on the 3.65-acre site, where it will be providing a mix of one to five-bedroom homes, as well as car parking spaces, garages and a large public open space.

'GOOD NEIGHBOURS'

The company will have a "Good Neighbour Charter" on the site, setting out promises about how it will try to minimise the impact of construction on surrounding homes and businesses.

The charter will also contain pledges to ensure that the builder will be considerate, clean, respectful, safe and environmentally aware as it builds the homes over the next two years.

A copy of the charter will be delivered to every neighbouring property, and is available on site and online to anyone else who requests it.

Mr Abel said: "Market towns like Swaffham have a desperate need for more homes, and we believe it's incumbent on housebuilders like ourselves to ensure that, as we deliver these homes, we also enhance the environment and the community in which we are building.

"That is why we are providing public spaces, as well as making financial contributions towards local schools, bus services and library facilities.

"We believe our approach is one of the main reasons that Breckland Council were so quick to approve our application."