Following considerable local concern about the proposed size of the application for 42 dwellings at Elm Close, Yaxham, including from the Parish Council and NP4Yaxham, I was pleased that permission was refused on the grounds of density and flood risk, amongst other factors.

I raised such concerns on behalf of residents with a letter to Breckland’s Planning Committee. Given that Yaxham is a village of just 204 dwellings, the application for 42 additional properties represented a substantial level of growth in excess of 20% and flied in the face of the tireless hard work carried out by the Neighbourhood plan team.

I have consistently emphasised the need to ensure that public trust in the planning system is maintained. Decisions taken by the Council – on the advice of Planning Officers – absolutely must be based on proper due process and rigorous and balanced assessment of all the relevant criteria. The views of residents, locally elected councillors and the MP should also carry particular weight on issues in their area.

A copy of my letter to Breckland’s Planning Committee can be found here.