People warned against acting “disorderly” ahead of crunch meeting to decide fate of Thetford’s Abbey Estate

People have been warned against acting “disorderly” ahead of a crunch meeting to decide the fate of a town estate.

Breckland Council has urged people attending a planning committee meeting for the Abbey regeneration project in Thetford to ensure their behaviour is respectful.

The meeting is likely to be tense, as councillors will be deciding whether hundreds of homes will be demolished to make way for developer Flagship’s plans to revamp the 1,100-home site.

A spokesman wrote on social media: “Respectful behaviour is essential. Interruptions, disorderly conduct, or failing to follow the chairman’s instructions may result in being asked to leave.

“This is a significant application for Thetford, and it’s vital the meeting runs fairly and smoothly for everyone involved.”

There have been about 2,000 letters of objection submitted to the council ahead of the meeting, with long-term residents who could have their homes bulldozed particularly upset.

They worry the amount of money they would get from a compulsory purchase will likely not be enough to purchase a similar-sized property to the one they are in currently.

But planning officers have recommended that the scheme be approved, with Flagship promising to bring “long-term improvements to homes, green spaces and community facilities” to the neighbourhood.

The meeting is being held on Thursday, October 16 at the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford.