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Plans for 36 new Gayton homes approved by West Norfolk Council




A developer has been granted permission to build dozens of homes in a village “bedevilled” by sewage problems for years.

The 36-home scheme in Gayton has been given the go-ahead by West Norfolk Council’s planning committee despite several objections.

Some villagers have warned that services will struggle to cope if the new houses are built.

Land where the homes will be built in Gayton. Picture: Google Maps
Land where the homes will be built in Gayton. Picture: Google Maps

The decision follows 20 years of problems that have also affected neighbouring Grimston, caused by high groundwater and a sewage network struggling to cope with the volume of wastewater.

Michael De Whalley, a borough councillor for the area, said the village has been “bedevilled” by drainage issues for some time at a recent meeting.

He highlighted that Anglian Water has not objected to the development and said its systems can cope, despite also publicly acknowledging the issues.

The area of Gayton where the new development will be built. Picture: Google
The area of Gayton where the new development will be built. Picture: Google

Cllr De Whalley said: “Anglian Water has admitted there are problems. Last year sewage was released from storm overflows for 1,600 hours from the Grimston treatment works. I am very concerned.”

Developer David Marsham, who lives in the area, attempted to alleviate these fears. He claimed the scheme has been designed to minimise run-off from the site, for example with the creation of drainage basins.

“I am acutely aware of the concerns around drainage but as a developer, we have few levers we can pull,” he said, adding that measures will be put in place to ensure the situation is not made worse by the new houses.

Cllr Vivienne Spikings joined other members in praising the scheme and the benefits it will bring.

“I am pleased with how this has come forward. The A energy rating of the homes is superb which will help people with their [energy] bills,” she said.

When it came to the vote, the development was approved unanimously.



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