People living in a Norfolk housing estate who face having their homes torn down say a council U-turn has excluded them from the decision-making process. 

The proposed redevelopment of the Abbey Estate in Thetford, which would take place over 20 years and see up to 500 new properties constructed, has been opposed by many residents who say it will "tear the community apart".

While Breckland Council officials had previously assured locals that a pivotal meeting to decide whether to approve the application would be held in Thetford, the authority has now revealed that it will take place in Dereham - despite there being no direct public transport links between the towns.

Residents say they are "upset" by the decision and have warned that many of them will now be prevented from attending as they are not able to make the 44-mile round trip.

An illustration of how the Abbey Estate in Thetford might look after redevelopmentAn illustration of how the Abbey Estate in Thetford might look after redevelopment (Image: Flagship Group)

Terry Land, a Breckland councillor and chairman of the Abbey Action Group, which is campaigning against the redevelopment of the estate, said: "I was disappointed to learn that this application will now be heard in Dereham, contrary to assurances given by planning officers.

"The mood on the estate is one of high anxiety - and many residents want to see at first hand why exactly their garages are being taken away or homes demolished. 

"But for the tenants, owners and landlords of the estate, many of whom are elderly and without transport, the trip from Thetford to Dereham would be impossible."

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Councillor Terry LandCouncillor Terry Land (Image: Submitted)

Nigel Wilkin, chairman of Breckland Council's planning committee, said the meeting could no longer be held at the Carnegie Rooms in Thetford - where it was previously expected to take place - as it does not have the facility to record or livestream the meeting.

Instead, the application will be determined by the council at its offices in Dereham.

Fiona Kiane, who has lived on the estate for 24 years, said: "I think this is really bad as a lot of elderly residents won't be able to get out there.

"They'll be really disappointed and even more upset than they already are."