Step forward for Thetford estate

10 March 2010

ANOTHER significant step forward in the regeneration of Thetford follows approval for more than 60 new homes on the town's Barnham Cross Estate.

Under the proposals, which were approved by Breckland Council planners on Monday, land off Sweyn Close , Fulmerston Road and Ulfkell Road would be re-developed. A total of 66 new houses, flats and bungalows would be built following the demolition of 34 sub-standard properties. The new homes would include two three-storey apartment blocks which would be located at the main entrance to the site.

One resident spoke at the meeting of his concerns that a footpath would be too close to his dining room window and would be an invasion of his privacy. He was told that the matter could be looked at to see if it could be re-located so it wasn't so close to his home.

The site is located within an established residential area forming part of the Barnham Cross Estate and members were told that the scheme would be a major part of the on-going Estate regeneration project.

“This is the first bold stage of a wider project for regeneration,” said Marion Chapman-Allen.

But Terry Lamb expressed concern over the loss of open land that could be used for allotments. He questioned the need for more housing and said that there were at least one thousand homes on the estate but there was limited land left for allotments.

“We have a statutory obligation to provide allotments and they are currently under provided in the town and this area of open space forming part of this new scheme is the only opportunity for us,” he said.

Members were told in a report that the proposals would create an attractive residential development enhancing the look of the surrounding area.

The layout of the new homes would follow the established pattern of short terraces of mainly two-storey houses, thereby maintaining the continuity of existing street scenes and creating strong built frontages.

A 'gentle contemporary' architectural style has been adopted throughout the scheme which avoids strong contrasts with surrounding development but allows a distinctive identity to be created. Further interest would be created by the use of distinctive three-storey apartment blocks at key locations.

Officers said that the proposed group of houses around a landscaped open space would create a “strong sense of place” as well as ensuring that proposed play areas would be overlooked.

The report highlighted that some concerns have been raised locally about traffic safety and parking issues. It is considered that the surrounding road network is adequate to cater for the additional traffic likely to be generated by the development.

Highway improvements are proposed as part of the scheme, including the upgrading of existing footway/cycleways and extending the existing 20 mph into Fulmerston Road.

Members voted in favour of approving the scheme.