Breckland District Council’s planning committee have voted near-unanimously against Bromford Flagship’s controversial plans to redevelop the Abbey Estate, which included the demolition of over 500 existing homes.
Tensions were high at the meeting, held at the Charles Burrell Centre and attended by over 120 members of the public. Case officer, Rebecca Collins, had recommended the plan for approval, on the grounds that the benefits of Flagship’s plans outweighed the negatives of demolishing people’s homes, such as stress and disruption for residents, and threats like dust inhalation that would come from living on or near the Abbey during its redevelopment.
However, members of the Abbey community came out in force, with nearly 20 speakers against the proposal. “The people who live on the estate are not just statistics on an index of deprivation. We are families, individuals and children, who will be directly affected by these changes,” said Fiona Keane, homeowner and active member of the Abbey Action Group.
When the time came to vote, thirteen of the fifteen committee members rejected the plans, citing the anxiety plans were causing residents.
Speaking on social media after the result, MP Terry Jermy said: “The Flagship Housing proposal for the Abbey would have destroyed the community, infilling many of the green spaces without delivering sufficient public benefit. I am so proud of all the residents that spoke, from the heart and with conviction, this is their victory and I’m delighted for them. Now we need to come together and look to the future for the Abbey.”
