Breckland Council U-turns on Abbey Estate meeting location

While Breckland Council officials had previously assured locals that a pivotal meeting to decide whether to approve the redevelopment of the Abbey Estate in Thetford would be held in the town, the authority later revealed that this would be taking place in Dereham.

Many people living on the estate, which could undergo 20 years of works and see up to 500 new properties constructed, warned they would not be able to make the 44-mile round trip due to there being no direct public transport links between the towns.

However, the council has now backtracked on its decision and says it will soon be confirming a venue in Thetford - despite previously stating that its offices in the town were not suitable to record or livestream the meeting.

The Abbey Estate in Thetford could be subject to a 20-year-long redevelopment project (Image: Denise Bradley)

A spokesman said: "Breckland Council understands the sensitivity of the Abbey planning application. 

"We are committed to holding the committee meeting in Thetford and are currently organising an appropriate venue."

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The decision to hold the meeting at the council's offices in Dereham led to backlash from councillors as well as former member Terry Jermy, who is Labour MP for South West Norfolk. 

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

He said: "This application is causing significant alarm and distress and forcing people, many of which are elderly or with mobility difficulties, to travel a long distance to attend would only add to this. 

"Regardless of the merits or otherwise of the plans, this application will have a profound impact on this community, not just in the short term but for generations to come.

"People need to have confidence in the decision-making process and as part of this, accessibility is key."