Norfolk Live, Norwich (2025)

19/07/2025

The spread of huge solar developments across our county has united villagers concerned about the loss of their rustic landscape.

But in Horstead, neighbours have taken up arms against a far smaller proposal.

Broadland Council approved plans for the development of a mini solar farm behind Long Field House in Norwich Road at a meeting this week.

The three rows of panels, which would be used to supply the family home, sparked fears that the picturesque views from neighbouring gardens would be ruined.

It was suggested by locals and councillors that the development was “more commercial than domestic” and likely to “upset neighbours”.

During the meeting, the homeowners sought permission for the panels, a new driveway, walls, an entrance gate and an outbuilding, as well as changing the field outside the home, where sheep used to graze, from agricultural land into a garden.

However, the driveway and outbuilding had already been constructed before planning permission was granted, rubbing some neighbours up the wrong way before the solar development emerged.

Jo Copplestone, local councillor for the area, said the expected output of the panels was above what would be expected for personal use and considered it to be a “major solar development”.

There are expected to be a total of 90 panels built across a corner of the field closest to neighbouring properties.

Peter Berry, a Conservative councillor, said: “We do have a little bit of an issue with a proliferation of panels going up everywhere.

“I know this is minor in comparison with other schemes but I do wonder whether so many panels are really required.”

The applicant said the energy from the panels would be used to power their house and electric cars.

Concerns were also raised by neighbours about the increased traffic that had already been experienced in the area due to the development of the field.

There are also suspicions that new homes could be built on the land, facilitated by the new driveway and energy provision.

The homeowners said they had “no plans at all” to do this.

Nicky Crabb, who lives behind the field, said: “A lot of people have things done to their house but the problem is that this effects everybody.

“We’re not trying to be awkward but these roads are too narrow. We nearly get killed every day walking down here.”

Ron Simpson added: “The main concern is what comes next. But I’m more or less satisfied with what has been done so far.”

A council officer said the aim of the development was to “extend the residential space” while “maintaining the rural character” of the area.

The application was approved at the meeting.

SOLAR SURGE

Norfolk could become the biggest solar energy producer in the country if a handful of major schemes all go ahead.

These include East Pye, set to span 2,700 acres across villages including Hempnall, Great Moulton and Saxlingham, an unnamed 5,000-acre project in Gissing, an unnamed 2,500-acre project near Long Stratton, and the Tasway Energy Park, which developers want to build across 3,600 acres west of the town.

There are also projects proposed near Dereham and Swaffham, namely High Grove, which would span 4,000 acres, and the Droves, across 2,800 acres on an adjoining site.

The plans have sparked strong local opposition in villages where people fear the loss of farmland and attractive views.

Because of their size, the ultimate decision on the projects will be taken by Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy and net zero, rather than local councils.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey
📷Ron Simpson and Horstead field (image: LDRS)

19/07/2025

Fresh details have been revealed about plans for a new school on the city outskirts.

One School Global has lodged an application with South Norfolk Council for a new campus in Bawburgh, which is set to replace its existing facility in Swaffham.

The school is expecting a maximum intake of 130 pupils from primary and secondary age groups and would be built in Long Lane, near Costessey Park and Ride, on a site currently used as a pig farm.

The applicant is an “independent school network” with close ties to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, an evangelical Christian movement. It was founded by members and is attended by families who are part of the church.

Plans for a new school have cropped up in the wake of large housing developments in surrounding villages, such as Easton.

Initial designs for the new facility include a gym, play area, classrooms, a library and a 60-space car park.

The site earmarked for the development spans nearly eight acres and is located on the eastern side of Long Lane, close to the A47.

In its application, One School Global said its existing facility at Turbine Way in Swaffham, which includes two adapted portacabins, is “nearing the end of its serviceable life”.

The existing Bawburgh School in Hockering Lane teaches primary-age children and has around 100 pupils.

Sarah Bennett, regional principal at One School Global UK, said: “We are delighted to submit plans for a new state-of-the-art campus in Norfolk. The proposals come in response to the existing local campus no longer being fit for purpose, providing us with this opportunity to create a new, technology-rich campus for pupils.

“We have been pleased by the constructive engagement we have had with local stakeholders on our proposals, who have helped to inform the final submitted plans.

“Subject to approval, the new school campus will provide outstanding professional opportunities for educators within the One School Global network, while also supporting high-quality local jobs through the construction and development phase.”

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey

18/07/2025

Landlords are pushing back against plans to introduce more powers to tackle bad housing conditions in a Norfolk town.

The Eastern Landlords Association has brought in lawyers to challenge Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s (GYBC) proposals for a selective licensing scheme.

It would require private landlords in three key areas to pay a £784 fee and it would allow officials to carry out more inspections and issue fines if problems are found.

More than 5,000 properties in Nelson, Central and Northgate and Southtown and Cobholm wards would be affected – areas which have high levels of deprivation.

The scheme could be introduced in the coming months following the results of a public consultation.

But the Eastern Landlords Association is opposing it and has instructed a solicitor firm which specialises in the area to help challenge several aspects of the policy.

Paul Cunningham, chairman of the group, said this includes excessive costs and the number of inspections.

“Inspections every three months are unreasonable and intrusive for tenants,” he said.

Mr Cunningham said GYBC has so far “refused to enter into a dialogue” with its members.

Paul Wells, cabinet member for licensing at the authority has defended the proposal.

He said: ‘’The council is working hard to produce a robust proposal to cover part of Great Yarmouth.

“As part of the process, it is consulting with the public and engaging with landlords and agents to ensure any scheme would be as effective as possible and deliver vital improvements to housing for tenants without being a costly burden for landlords.

“Across the country, there are already many such schemes that work perfectly well for tenants and landlords – these are not unusual.

“We will be aiming to learn from successes elsewhere – as well as leaning on our experience of a previous scheme in Great Yarmouth.

“It is important to remember that nothing has been determined as yet.’’

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt
📷Great Yarmouth\'s town hall

18/07/2025

A Norfolk council is bringing in new restrictions on town centre shopfronts.

The new guide implemented by Breckland Council will seek to ensure the “preservation and enhancement” of historic buildings in its five market towns.

It comes amid calls for “stricter regulation” of poor-quality shopfronts and the use of inappropriate fonts and colours by businesses.

The guidance is aimed at retailers, owners, developers and shop-fitters and will be used by the council when determining planning applications.

It includes instructions to retain traditional features of historic buildings and states the use of neon or other garish colours is not acceptable.

The shopfront design guide will be implemented in Attleborough, Watton, Thetford, Dereham and Swaffham, after it was backed by the council at a recent meeting.

Sarah Suggitt, deputy leader of the council, said: “This is part of a wider effort to protect the heritage of our market towns and help our high streets thrive.

“By preserving their historic charm, we aim to make these areas more attractive and successful for residents, businesses and visitors.”

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey
📷Akaash Restaurant (Credit: Google)

18/07/2025

A two-storey caravan that was extended to the point of being too big to move is being demolished.

The structure in Earlham Road in Norwich has been a prominent feature outside Bately Court since David Coe bought it three years ago.

Mr Coe modified the caravan with a new staircase, upstairs bedroom, log burner and skylight, with a view to one day living in it by the seaside.

However, his £10,000 project reached an impasse after he realised the spectacularly customised structure had become too large to tow.

National Parking Enforcement, the company that manages the car park outside Bately Court, issued Mr Coe with a notice earlier this year telling him the caravan would be destroyed if he did not move it due to concerns about it being a health and safety risk.

But Mr Coe did not have enough money to have the structure professionally relocated and demolition crews finally arrived at the site today to knock it down.

His former neighbours at Bately Court, where he lived until last year, have rejoiced at the removal of the caravan and watched the men at work from their porch. Others stopped in the street to take photos and videos of the scene.

Heather Burton said: “I’m happy to see it go because I thought it was a really dangerous thing to have in the car park.

“It easily could have hurt somebody in high winds. I can’t understand why this was allowed to stay in a prominent area for so long.”

Other people living in the building said they thought the caravan posed issues with emergency access to their property and created an obstruction when the car park was full.

Elaine Kelly said: “It was a bit of an eyesore in the end but I feel sorry for the bloke who built it. It’s a shame it got so big that he couldn’t move it.

“There has been a lot of interest in the caravan and no end of people coming to look at it. People used to stop in the street and ask us about it.”

Mr Coe was evicted from Bately Court after a row with the housing association over the cleanliness and management of the property and was accused by the company of “inappropriate behaviour” towards members of staff.

He maintains he should not have been evicted and was forced to abandon the caravan when he left, but kept paying his £25 monthly fee for a parking spot and visited the vehicle regularly, to ensure it was kept secure and was not becoming a hazard.

He bought the caravan in 2022 and worked on renovating it as a distraction from his legal battle with the housing association and severe health issues.

Mr Coe, who said he had “always been very creative” and previously renovated a hotel, said his caravan grew and grew, quickly becoming a familiar and welcome site in its parking spot.

He said it soon became something of a tourist attraction, with “hundreds” of people stopping to enquire about it and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces expressing interest in featuring it on the Channel 4 programme.

“I just needed to get out of the flat and make contact with other people,” Mr Coe said. “It was meant to be a place to sit and have a cup of tea and chat with passers-by.

“But it became something to focus on and I started working on it every single day. It became more than a hobby for me.

“It wasn’t a conscious decision but the caravan grew and grew – it cost me a fortune but I didn’t mind. I became known locally as the caravan man.

“I met hundreds of people who wanted to see what I was doing and take selfies with me. It was a lovely distraction from everything else.”

He built a staircase and extended the caravan to turn it into a two-storey structure, with a bedroom upstairs.

He also installed a log burner as well new windows and a skylight, and created a garden and seating area outside.

He kept adding to it until the caravan was more akin to a tiny house.

Mr Coe, who is unemployed and on disability benefits, said he was left with £70,000 in costs to pay after losing his legal battle and could not afford to finish the caravan, which needed further work to its roof and extensions to be made “more solid”.

A spokesman for National Parking Enforcement said the landowner had requested the caravan be moved as it was considered a health and safety issue.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey
📸 Image credit: LDRS

17/07/2025

Plans for a major development in one of Norfolk’s fastest growing villages have passed an important hurdle.

The application for 300 houses in Rackheath returned to Broadland Council’s planning committee this week, after being given the green light more than a year ago.

The development is part of a proposal to expand the village, with a separate application seeking a further 3,850 homes to be built across the wider site off Wroxham Road.

Following its approval in 2023, the plans for 300 homes had to be reconsidered due to the adoption of the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP).

This earmarks land where councils consider the construction of new homes and the creation of jobs could be acceptable.

The GNLP includes the allocation of land for 10,000 new homes in Norwich and opens the door for hundreds more homes to be built in places such as Rackheath, Hellesdon, Drayton, Taverham, Wymondham and Thorpe St Andrew.

Inclusion of sites in the plan makes it more likely that councillors will grant planning permission for proposals on that land.

The application returned to the planning committee to be reconsidered against the requirements of the GNLP, such as safe and convenient access and provision of appropriate local facilities.

The proposals were considered to comply with the policies, although some matters will need to be considered separately in a more detailed application, due to be submitted by the developers.

Eleanor Laming, chair of the committee, said the application presented this week was “even better” than before due to “improvements” that had been required under the new policy.

Jo Copplestone, a Conservative councillor, added: “It is great that we are going to start seeing building works on the site shortly.”

It is expected the new housing developments will transform the village, bringing significant growth to a community which has a population of around 2,200.

17/07/2025

Villagers at risk of losing homes to the sea are to benefit from a £1.6m scheme to help develop ways of finding them new homes.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council approved the project for Hemsby and Winterton, which will help the communities adapt to the challenges of coastal erosion.

The project was approved this week by cabinet members, which will help fund the purchase of farmland which could be used to build new houses to replace at-risk properties.

About 30 homes most threatened by erosion will also be demolished and the cash will help pay for planning application fees for the farmland to allow development to take place.

A GYBC spokesman said: “This pioneering initiative will see the council work directly with residents, local businesses, and Hemsby Parish Council to develop innovative solutions — including safe relocation options and long-term community resilience.

“This funding will provide real choices for people living in the most at-risk areas, placing Great Yarmouth at the forefront of how the UK responds to coastal change.”

Carl Smith, leader of the council, added: “This gives us a unique opportunity to deliver meaningful support and shape future national policy for communities facing coastal erosion.”

The coastline at Hemsby is one of the fastest-eroding stretches in the country.

Dozens of homes have already been lost and more are facing demolition.

Efforts to build new sea defences have so far failed, after a bid to construct a rock berm to protect houses was deemed to be unaffordable after costs rose.

The Hemsby project is made possible through Resilient Coasts funding from the Environment Agency, which aims to help communities threatened by climate change and erosion adapt to the challenges.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt
📸 Image via the LDRS

17/07/2025

A proposed farm shop has been blocked from opening amid a bizarre row over a disputed caravan site.

Simon Cruickshank, owner of Sveinns vineyard in Swainsthorpe, has been told by planning officials he cannot erect a new building to sell farm produce because his land is already being used as a camping site.

To support his business, Mr Cruickshank permits five caravans to stay on a site behind the SugarBeat Eating House, which is named Vine View camping.

Despite this, he argues the use of the land has not officially changed, and had hoped to build a shop on part of the site for villagers to buy fresh produce.

The application was initially refused by South Norfolk Council and then appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

The proposals outlined designs for an “agricultural building” which would be used as a farm shop, store, staff welfare unit and occasional wine tasting venue.

Mr Cruickshank said he believed the council “had it in for him” and was “failing to support a small business”.

During a hearing last month, the inspector assessed whether the works could be carried out as a permitted development, which can take place without planning permission.

For this challenge to succeed, it needed to be proven that the building would serve agricultural purposes.

The inspector visited the site and agreed with the view of the council that the use of the land appeared to have changed, citing electrical hook-up points, dog waste bins, and evidence of recent landscaping,

The report said: “I find the appeal site closest to the proposed building is not in an agricultural use and appears somewhat severed from the wider site.

“Instead, it clearly involves activities more closely associated with caravan and camping use.”

The inspector stressed that the decision does not prevent Mr Cruickshank from applying for planning permission for a different building on the site, which would be assessed on its own merits.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey
📷The Sveinns vineyard and adjacent campsite in Swainsthorpe (Google Maps)

17/07/2025

A popular play park along the coast is set to reopen after a £65,000 revamp.

The Leas playground in Sheringham, situated on the town’s seafront, has had new equipment installed after the existing facilities became deteriorated.

Funding was confirmed in 2023 and it has taken nearly two years to complete the scheme.

Lucy Shires, North Norfolk District Council’s cabinet member for property services, revealed in a report to members that the play park will reopen on July 21.

The play park was in need of revamping after the existing equipment deteriorated om the harsh seafront conditions.

It is hoped the new equipment will help boost the wellbeing of the local community and bring visitors to the area.

However, the expense has proved controversial, with councillors in other parts of north Norfolk complaining their play parks were being overlooked in favour of Sheringham’s.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt
📷The Leas play park in Sheringham

16/07/2025

A traveller family is seeking permission to keep 23 caravans at a site in a Norfolk village.

The planning application at Otterwood Kennels in Saham Toney, near Shipdham, has been lodged with Breckland Council.

Mother Lisa Jay, who lives at the site with her son, has lived on the land off Dereham road for more than 15 years.

She said the new caravans, most of which are currently empty, had been intended for family members to join them.

Despite having been issued with an enforcement notice requiring the caravans to be removed, after the number increased to 23 earlier this year, the family has now launched a formal bid to remain.

The enforcement notice issued by the council points to problems with the density of the caravans, as well as the residential use of the land and installation of fencing around the site without planning permission.

It is due to take effect in October and will require the family to clear the site and permanently cease living on it within six months.

Ms Jay is hoping she can secure permission to change the use of the land to a traveller site, including the transformation of an existing building into a home for a site manager.

Speaking in May, Ms Jay said she had “complied with everything” ordered by the council in recent months and intended to play by the book going forward.

She added: “People shouldn’t make assumptions and I am happy to speak with anyone who has concerns.”

The application will be considered by the planning department at Breckland Council in due course.

If the enforcement notice is appealed, the case will need to be reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate, which will assess whether it should be upheld or overturned.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Eleanor Storey
📸 Image credit: Eleanor Storey

16/07/2025

Omaze is fighting to avoid having to demolish parts of a dream Norfolk home it offered as a prize in a charity draw after numerous planning breaches were discovered.

The firm has applied to retain numerous elements within the Larkfields property in Blakeney, which was won by a former Miss Wales contestant in an event to raise money for Comic Relief.

But during the competition, it became the focus of an investigation after it emerged it had been built differently to the approved plans.

Omaze is yet to hand over the keys for the £6m property to Vicky Curtis-Cresswell, until the issues at the luxury home have been resolved.

Following the submission of a planning application to North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), the extent of the breaches that have been confirmed by NNDC has now been revealed.

Omaze has applied to retain an extension to the eastern wing of the three-bed home, its tennis court, a swimming pool, a four-bay garage and a summerhouse outbuilding.

It means all of these aspects could face demolition if NNDC’s planning officials and councillors decide to refuse permission for the structures.

A spokeswoman for NNDC said the application was received on July 15 and it is currently being validated.

Once this has been done, further details from the application will emerge on the council’s website, which is expected to be finalised by next week.

Ms Curtis-Cresswell said she intends to sell the property following winning the charity prize draw, which was a high-profile event backed by numerous celebrities for Comic Relief.

However, the planning breaches have scuppered her plans and it could affect the value of the property.

The firm, which buys luxury properties as prizes for competitions to raise money for charity, has promised it will resolve a series of planning breaches – and pay any costs involved – before ownership is transferred.

Larkfields, an impressive three-bed home built to resemble the luxury mansions found in the exclusive Hamptons area in New York, was billed as Omaze’s biggest ever prize draw.

It raised millions of pounds for Comic Relief.

But the discovery of the planning breaches overshadowed the high-profile competition, which was held for Red Nose Day.

Omaze initially intended to announce the winner live on BBC One, but this was later dropped after the revelations of the planning breaches.

The for-profit company was founded in the US and provides at least 17pc of the money raised through its prize draws to charities

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt
📷Omaze Blakeney Home

16/07/2025

The fate of the UK’s oldest working theatre is to be decided, with a Norfolk council set to decide whether or not to borrow millions of pounds to cover the costs.

West Norfolk Council (WNC) is potentially about to embark on a £30m restoration of the Guildhall in King’s Lynn that aims to restore the venue and turn it into a central cultural attraction.

In the process, it will need to borrow £16m to cover a huge gap in funds, but it hopes its link with Shakespeare will encourage philanthropists to help cover the lofty sum.

A decision will be made on Thursday evening (July 17). However, critics remain concerned it will saddle the authority with significant debt.

Built in the 1400s, it is the largest surviving guildhall in England and recent investigations have found wooden floorboards which Shakespeare may have once performed on in the 16th century.

By the middle of the 20th century, the building had become derelict and under threat of demolition.

It was saved by the Penrose family, who converted it into an arts centre and later bequeathed it to the National Trust.

And now it is set to be brought up to date and incorporate a ‘Shakespeare experience’ to help attract fans of the Bard.

However, costs have now risen to £30m – far higher than the £8.1m in government funding initially granted for the scheme.

The council says the project could generate £30.8m for the local economy but this relies on estimates that 60,000 people will visit each year.

Critics worry this is too optimistic and that it may not generate the revenue it promises to.

Others fear that external backers willing to fund the project may not appear, leaving the council with having to pay about £800,000 a year in interest on the borrowed £16m.

It could mean financial support for other projects in west Norfolk may not be possible due to the Guildhall’s costs.

But doing nothing also comes at huge costs as well, as the council is liable for its upkeep.

And the council is confident the ambitious project will attract funding, which will help secure the future of this special building for the community.

✍ Copy via the LDRS by Owen Sennitt
📷St George's Guildhall Theatre in King's Lynn

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