Land off Hopton Road in Garboldisham set to be turned into holiday lodges

A former mushroom farm in a Norfolk village is set to be turned into a holiday lodge.

Plans have been submitted for 25 “high-quality holiday homes” on 3.22 hectares of land off Hopton Road in Garboldisham.

The site is currently mainly grassland, with a number of redundant outbuildings, including some sheds and a row of dog kennels, in the north west corner.

In the planning application, the developer says the proposal would benefit local businesses by providing more custom for pubs and shops.

The statement said: “The provision of high-quality homes would attract additional tourists to the area, with consequential increases in investment and spend within the local economy.”

The plans include eleven two-bed and 14 three-bed lodges, a reception building, groundskeeper building and 67 parking spaces.

The developer, Parker Planning Service Ltd, considers the site well connected to existing infrastructure provision and, as such, thinks it unlikely that the development of the site will generate negative associated infrastructure works that might damage the environment in and around the locality.

The company goes on to say it would boost local employment.

“The site would generate employment for people who will be responsible for cleaning and general housekeeping, as well as managing the reception, shop and cafe,” read the statement.

In 1996, planning permission was granted to turn the site into a wildlife park.

Garboldisham Parish Council has been approached for comment.