Major housing development in West Winch delayed again as lawyers fail to reach agreement

One of the biggest housing developments set to be built in the county continues to falter, as lawyers fail to reach agreement.

Hopkins Homes, which has been granted permission to build 1,100 properties in West Winch and North Runcton, remains locked in a legal wrangle over the scheme.

The delays are threatening to bring the project – the first phase of a 4,000-home West Winch growth area – to a halt altogether if issues are not resolved.

At a West Norfolk Council planning committee meeting today, officers asked to be granted another two weeks’ grace.

Officials said the application is “virtually there”, but the developer is still yet to finalise agreements related to “commercial matters” with landowners.

This follows a month’s extension agreed at the start of January.

Councillors instead voted to offer four weeks leeway. However, members warned this would be the final chance for Hopkins Homes to resolve the problems holding up the scheme, or else it could be refused permission.

The fresh delays have caused frustration among councillors.

Cllr Vivienne Spikings, who represents the Upwell and Delph ward, told officers to “take a breath and bring it to us signed, sealed and delivered”.

Cllr Tom De Winton, who represents Brancaster, added that if it is not resolved, the council will have to make a decision on whether or not “it is taking these people seriously anymore”.

The housing development is complicated due to the plan to construct a new £109million road, which will link the A47 and A10, to ease traffic in the area.

Nikki Patton, a housing enabling officer, said: “It is really important we keep this on track and that we do not do anything to jeopardise that project.”

Despite being given another four weeks, officials hope agreements can be reached sooner.