Major new housing plans in Holt clash with locals

The application from Phoenix Strategic Land would deliver 49 dwellings, 17 of them affordable, alongside a 0.7‑hectare cemetery extension to be gifted to Holt Town Council.  

A wave of detailed objections has been sent into North Norfolk District Council following the initial consultation on the scheme.  

But town councillors have backed the application, saying new homes are vital to tackle a shortage of affordable, energy-efficient housing.  

It also said the new homes will help meet the government target of 1.5million new homes in England by 2029.   

Under new housing requirements, North Norfolk District Council's housing target has been raised by 65pc. 

The town council highlighted that Holt’s only active burial ground on Cley Road is nearing capacity and said the extension could safeguard local burial provision for up to a century.  

A housing development for 49 homes has been submitted for Holt (Image: Phoenix Strategic Land)

But locals and organisations have raised strong concerns over the development.  

The Environment Agency has warned that the area is already in "serious water stress".  

It said: "The location has the potential to increase abstraction from groundwater sources. 

"The water resource demand of the development should be considered. This supply needs to be sustainable and have no adverse impact to Water Framework Directive waterbodies including chalk streams." 

Concerns from locals describe the location as unsuitable, highlighting heavy car dependence and a rise in traffic – particularly in New Street and High Street.  

A map of the proposed plans (Image: Phoenix Strategic Land)

One objection said: "The site comprises actively farmed, productive agricultural land that contributes to the local rural economy and landscape character. 

"Development would result in the permanent loss of this land." 

Objections mention highway safety risks, harm to local wildlife including deer and birds of prey, pressure on schools, healthcare and drainage.  

They said the application fails key national and local planning tests.  

One comment said: "The application does not provide a compelling case and therefore the only option available to the Council is to REFUSE the application."