A town council believes that a new local plan will result in unacceptable levels of traffic and congestion.
Dereham Town Council has taken issue with Breckland Council's draft vision for 11 sites which have been marked for potential development, with concerns of highways and pedestrian access being raised.
The town council called an extraordinary meeting to address the plans, where councillors believed the district council had not given attention to issues such as traffic impact and strain on existing infrastructure.
Tony Needham, town clerk, said: “Dereham Town Council is of the view that all and every development strategy will result in additional and unacceptable levels of traffic and congestion in Dereham.
“The last local plan included a transport study which identified that certain junctions would be over capacity, with several junctions needing major interventions.
"None of these major interventions have been delivered with some identified as being undeliverable.
“The town council has been consistent over the years in being supportive of additional housing provided it is properly planned and balanced to deliver the services, outdoor playing space, infrastructure, employment and does not adversely impact on the already overburdened road network.”
Between April and December 2022, Breckland undertook a call for sites consultation as part of a local plan update, where landowners, developers, individuals, parish and town councils and other interested parties could suggest sites for development or for protection as local green space.
Breckland's deputy leader and executive member for strategic and operational planning, Sarah Suggitt, thanked the council for its "detailed submission", adding: “We’re in the process of updating our local plan, which will act as a blueprint for the growth of the district over the next 25 years and is crucial to ensuring development can be delivered whilst protecting the quality and environment of our towns and villages.
“The plan is being amended with local people’s views and the feedback of our partners in mind.
“It is important the local plan takes into account feedback from residents and our partners. So, I am grateful that Dereham Town Council have given this such careful consideration and have made a detailed submission to help shape the future of the town.”
Following the consultation, Breckland will prepare a draft local plan for consultation during spring.
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