Plans go in for 284 homes in Downham Market
Nearly 300 homes could be built on the outskirts of Downham if a new plans are given the greenlight.
Albanwise wants to construct 284 homes on a section of land between Downham and Wimbotsham.
Public art projects, play areas along with a mixture of affordable and executive housing could be built on the site.
The investment and farming company has lodged the outline planning application with West Norfolk Council.
This is the first of two major developments for Downham.
Plans will soon be submitted for the £350 million Centre of Advanced Knowledge Engineering (CfAKE), a science hub proposed for the RAF Downham site on Bexwell Road.
The Albanwise planning statement says: “This high quality new neighbourhood will enhance the north eastern edge of the settlement with a new and sensitively designed gateway, and will provide a landscape framework integrating development into the wider landscape.
“Sensitive design in the western part of the site can be incorporated to respect the character of the Wimbotsham Conservation Area.”
The site, an agricultural field off the Bridle Lane, also forms part of the RAF Downham site.
Developers are looking to create a mixture of one, two, three and four bedroom houses, including some affordable units.
Motorists will be able to access the site from Lynn Road using a ghost island and there are also hopes to link the site to the A10.
The application includes two play areas on the site along with plans to enhance two bridleways.
The planning statement adds: “The central area of green space is intended to provide a more formal area of open space, and provides a green spine running through the centre of the new neighbourhood. This will include recreational footpaths and cycleways. This green network provides a setting to the development that retains and links to the bridleways running through and adjacent to the site.”
Concerns have been previously raised about this proposal by Wimbotsham Parish Council, who fear there will no break between the village and Downham.
Mayor of Downham John Fox says the town council has not received the application from the borough council.
- Downham Market Development Ltd will be holding a public consultation on CfAKE plans at the town hall between 3pm and 7pm on Friday and 9am-noon on Saturday.
