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Thetford Town Council rejects Flagship development plans for Abbey estate with formal objection letter




A town council has voted unanimously to reject controversial proposals to redevelop a housing estate.

On Tuesday night, Thetford Town Council agreed to support a letter objecting to Flagship Group’s proposals for the Abbey Estate which, if approved, would see 450 homes demolished.

The plans, submitted in April, outline a 20-year development project featuring upgrades to parking, lighting, pavements, play areas, green spaces, a neighbourhood park and a community centre.

The developer's 20-year plans were met with concerns from residents. Picture: Flagship Group
The developer's 20-year plans were met with concerns from residents. Picture: Flagship Group

However, residents raised concerns by launching a petition to stop Flagship’s plans due to fears that their homes and garages could be demolished to make room for 1,000 new homes.

The town council is now preparing to send a formal letter to the Lead Planning Officer at Breckland District Council, voicing their formal objections.

Cllr Terry Land said: “Many residents feel they have been overlooked in Flagship’s push to advance their proposals — I’m here to be their voice.

A view of the Abbey estate. Picture: Flagship Group
A view of the Abbey estate. Picture: Flagship Group

“Since the start of the consultation, residents have faced significant worry, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future.

“For many, the prospect of an 18-20 year development feels like a lifetime burden.

“One must ask, what will an 84-year-old respond to such uncertainty and ultimately upheaval?”

The council’s letter highlighted key concerns with the plans, stating that the proposal would ‘considerably change’ the character of the area, fails to address local housing needs and does not meet sustainable development principles.

Terry Land, Thetford Town Councillor for the Priory Ward, which includes the Abbeyestate. Picture: Thetford Labour Party
Terry Land, Thetford Town Councillor for the Priory Ward, which includes the Abbeyestate. Picture: Thetford Labour Party

The letter states: “Most importantly, the residents of the Abbey Estate, who's lives will be blighted by this proposed redevelopment for a generation, are almost universally opposed to it.

“Their health, wellbeing, happiness and peaceful enjoyment of their homes, should be of paramount importance to everyone concerned.

“The Town Council does not believe that the applicant, having submitted these proposals, shares this view.”

A concept image of the Flagship’s plans for the Abbey estate. Picture: Flagship Group
A concept image of the Flagship’s plans for the Abbey estate. Picture: Flagship Group

Residents have previously taken various actions to oppose the plans, including launching ‘Operation Bat Box’, a campaign by the Abbey Estate Action Group to install 500 bat boxes throughout the estate.

By encouraging bat conservation, and since bats are a protected species, it is hoped the effort would also help protect their homes from demolition.