A decision to allow construction of 110 new homes on Holt's southern outskirts has been met with "bitter disappointment".

The Planning Inspectorate has overturned a North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) refusal of the scheme to build on a 17-acre (7ha) strip of land between Holt and the town’s country park, off Beresford Road.

North Norfolk News: Gladman Developments is proposing a residential development of about 110 homes off Beresford Road, Holt. Pictures: Gladman LandGladman Developments is proposing a residential development of about 110 homes off Beresford Road, Holt. Pictures: Gladman Land (Image: Archant)

Sarah Bütikofer, NNDC leader, said: “I am bitterly disappointed by the decision of the appeal inspector, particularly because I know the very significant impact this decision will have on residents in the area and its impact on traffic congestion.”

North Norfolk News: Sarah Butikofer, North Norfolk District Council leader. Picture: Supplied by Sarah ButikoferSarah Butikofer, North Norfolk District Council leader. Picture: Supplied by Sarah Butikofer (Image: Paul Heinrich)

Cheshire-based Gladman Developments first submitted plans for the development - which includes provision for a primary school - in October 2018.

NNDC's planning committee refused the application in February 2020 because it would have meant building in a ‘countryside policy area’, which was not in its development plan.

North Norfolk News: Gladman Developments is now allowed to build 110 homes off Beresford Road, Holt.Gladman Developments is now allowed to build 110 homes off Beresford Road, Holt. (Image: Archant)

The bid also received opposition from the public, with most objections revolving around increased traffic on Charles Road, increased congestion at the school’s drop-off and pick-up times and loss of agricultural land and open views.

But Gladman appealed to the Inspectorate, whose inspector Rebecca Norman led a hearing into the scheme in October last year, and has now decided to let it go ahead.

In her ruling, Ms Norman said she considered factors including traffic, pollution, affordable housing and economic benefits.

The decision read: "I conclude that the collective benefits would outweigh the harm arising in respect of the identified conflict with the development plan. I, therefore, find that the proposed development would be acceptable and as such should be allowed."

However, the Inspectorate refused Gladman's claim to recoup the costs of bringing the appeal from NNDC.

A spokesman from Gladman declined to comment when contacted by this newspaper.

Georgina Perry-Warnes, district councillor for Holt, said: “Despite assurances from officers at Norfolk County Council, there is still some doubt that funding for the new primary school will actually be available.

North Norfolk News: Georgie Perry-Warnes , one of two district councillors for Holt.Georgie Perry-Warnes , one of two district councillors for Holt. (Image: Archant)

"If this is indeed the outcome, Holt’s loss would very much be the developers’ gain. Local residents will potentially bear the brunt of yet another large development causing traffic problems on unsuitable roads.”

Fellow Holt district councillor Eric Vardy said: “There is a real need for affordable housing in Holt, what we want are the right homes in the right location. These all must be sustainable developments and include appropriate educational provision wherever they are built.”

North Norfolk News: Eric Vardy is the new North Norfolk district councillor for Holt ward.Eric Vardy is the new North Norfolk district councillor for Holt ward. (Image: Supplied by the Conservatives)

Further reaction

Mrs Bütikofer and North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker both spoke against the plans at the appeal hearing.

North Norfolk News: North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker called on the prime minster to back a public inquiry into the Post Office/Horizon scandal.North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker called on the prime minster to back a public inquiry into the Post Office/Horizon scandal. (Image: Parliament TV)

Mr Baker, who was also district councillor for Holt when the Inspectorate's hearing took place, said: “I am disappointed to see that the considerations of those elected district and county representatives have been totally ignored with this decision.

"But even more for the residents adjacent to the new site who will have to contend with the most absurd access into a large housing estate and the rat run of a single access point for the new school.

"Couple this with it being a decision to build a new school and 110 homes on prime greenfield space, when I had always called for a more suitable location, rather than breaking planning policy.

"I also worry enormously what pressure this will now create on the nearby village schools.”