Attleborough's 4,000 home "biggest residential application of 2019" project pushes ahead with first phase beginning next year despite concerns

Homes England has purchased the first phase of a major residential development in Attleborough which will provide 4,000 new homes and will see the town almost double in size.

Planning consent was granted in 2019 for what was the biggest residential application in the UK that year.

Put forward by Ptarmigan Land, it was approved after an extensive programme of consultation with Breckland Council, Norfolk County Council, Attleborough Town Council and the Attleborough Development Partnership.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Homes England, the public body that helps increase the number of new homes that are built across the country, had purchased the first phase of the site, which will be located between London Road and Buckenham Road.

The development aims to deliver three new neighbourhoods and hundreds of affordable homes, with parks, play areas, allotments, sports pitches and a new route into town.

Charles Wheatman, chief executive of Ptarmigan Land, said: “This is a beautifully designed and sustainable project, which brings together the best of what the housing industry can do: creating a new vibrant community with 4,000 much-needed, high-quality homes.

“With work set to start in 2022, the development will deliver a significant number of construction jobs and represents a major investment in the local economy.

“We are delighted to be working with Homes England on this landmark scheme, which will benefit both existing and future residents of Attleborough.”

Residents of the town voiced concerns over this latest chapter in the development, with some taking to the town's Facebook community page to air their views.

Mark Weaver said: "Every toilet seat tap brick etc will come into the town down Station road down Old Buckenham road. Noise fumes road jams you name it we will get it. Pressure must be applied to all councils Attleborough Breckland and Norfolk. Who ever gets voted in over the next few weeks must see this as a top priorty."

Debby Young said: "Absolutely terrible and so detrimental to what has been such a lovely place to live all these years. No way can the town cope with that amount of houses, people and traffic. It doesn't have the infrastructure for what we have now."

Breckland Council’s local plan identifies Attleborough as a suitable location for substantial housing and employment growth.

To help deliver this ambition, the development will provide housing for first-time buyers and growing families and will include provision for two new primary schools.

A link road between the A11 and B1077 will also be created in the hope of easing potential congestion.

Paul Claussen, Breckland Council’s executive member for planning, said: “We welcome this major step forward, which will see plans for a significant number of new houses become a reality.

“This significant development will help to meet the demand for new houses and will enhance education, infrastructure and leisure facilities. We look forward to construction getting started next year.”