NEWS

Warning over dash for development

Ministers were last night warned that a controversial 'dash for development' which would see nearly 80,000 new homes built in Norfolk by 2021 could destroy the character of the county unless backed by proper funding.

The government has pledged £150m to help the designated growth areas in the next three years. Norwich is to get £12m - well short of the £90m it asked for - while it is thought developers will have to stump up in new taxes if the multi-million-pound shortfalls are to be met.

Adrian Gunson, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for planning and transportation, welcomed the King's Lynn announcement but warned the high levels of growth in the county had to be supported by proper investment in roads, transport and all the other essential elements of well-planned and sustainable development.

"We must not get caught up in a dash for development that sacrifices Norfolk's special environment, heritage and quality of life," he said.

"There is much talk about sustainable communities, but this can only be achieved through investment in infrastructure. That means government financial support before the houses are built, and well beyond the disappointing levels so far offered.

"Development in Norfolk must be an opportunity for improvement, not a cause of greater congestion, pressure on services and damaged quality of life for all current and future inhabitants."

Most of the expansion would be driven by areas such as Norwich, Ipswich, Cambridge and Peterborough, as well as the new towns around London.

Suffolk would have 61,700 new homes and Cambridgeshire with Peterborough 98,300.

Mary Edwards, campaign

co-ordinator for Friends of the Earth, said: "They think that by sticking the word 'sustainable' in front, everything is going to flow from it - but it most certainly isn't.

"It adds up to an absolute disaster.

"What they are saying is this process is now completely open-ended and there is no limit to housing or growth, which flies in the face of true sustainability."

Nick Daubney, leader of West Norfolk Council said the announcement would help unlock funding opportunities to make improvements to infrastructure including transport, drainage and utilities.

"We are absolutely delighted with the announcement," he said. "We have lobbied long and hard to get King's Lynn the recognition that it rightly deserves.

"The town acts as a very important centre for a region that extends beyond the boundaries of west Norfolk and is the engine room for the future growth and prosperity of the area.

"It will help us encourage more businesses to the area, thereby improving job opportunities, all of which will be supported by improved cultural, leisure and educational facilities."

Barbara Follett, minister for the east of England who officially launched the strategy, said it would deliver more homes and help protect the environment.

"We are working to ensure that the funding is available," said Mrs Follett. "It's not concreting over; it's providing homes for people in the east of England who don't have anywhere to live.

"This sets out our vision for the future in the east of England; this is a real milestone for us in delivering sustainable growth and addressing climate change.

"We are going to be putting in place a step change in housing provision, while tackling homelessness and affordable housing."

And she said that greenbelt land would be preserved in other areas.

"When we take some out, we will give the same amount, and I hope more, back," she added.