216-home plan in Dereham given approval by Breckland Council

The plans to build housing on the 26 acres of farmland along Swanton Road in Dereham, which were first considered in 2015, have been granted approval by Breckland Council. 

The development has been subject to objections from Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust, which raised concerns about the impact of increased traffic at the nearby level crossing. 

Dereham Town Council said: "While we are generally happy with this development we are extremely unhappy and concerned with the proposed treatment of the level crossing.

"The proposal only provides for a footway on one side of the level crossing, and the council finds this wholly unacceptable and unsafe."

Swanton Road level crossing (Image: Google Maps)

However, Breckland Council officers argued that the matter had already been agreed in an outline planning application - which was approved in 2020 - and said it was "not a point for consideration".

The final plans for a total of 216 homes have been given the green light by councillors.