Plans for travellers’ site in West Dereham are refused over fears for environment, infrastructure and water drainage

Plans for a new travellers’ site in West Norfolk have been turned down over fears regarding the environment, infrastructure and water drainage.

Proposals to create the site for 10 plots on Station Road in West Dereham were submitted to West Norfolk Council in September last year.

South West Norfolk MP and former Prime Minister Liz Truss joined nearly 100 others in objecting to the plans in December – when some nearby businesses warned her that they would have to close if they went ahead.

On Friday, these fears were alleviated when a planning officer at West Norfolk Council refused the application.

In explaining why they had reached this decision, they said that the “form and density” of the plans would “significantly detract from the appearance and character of this rural locality”.

“It would appear unduly prominent, intense and incongruous and thus cause harm to the environment,” they added.

The location was also “unsustainable” for residential development of this scale as it is “some distance from facilities and supporting services”.

“It is evident that the application site suffers from surface water drainage issues, which similarly affects the surrounding locality and existing residents on Station Road,” they said.

Additionally, as the site lies around 100m to the west of the medieval St Mary’s Abbey monument, Historic England considered that the proposals would result in a “degree of harm” to its setting.

Ms Truss has expressed how glad she is that the plans have been refused.

“I am delighted the campaign has been successful,” she said.

“This is great news for residents and businesses in West Dereham.

“The site was deeply unsuitable for use as a travellers' site with potential threats to public safety and the local wildlife.”