Three thousand new homes will be built in Wymondham - if a London developer gets its way.The huge development, which would also include a new primary school, sixth-form college and medical centre, has been met with dismay locally.

Three thousand new homes will be built in Wymondham - if a London developer gets its way.

The huge development, which would also include a new primary school, sixth-form college and medical centre, has been met with dismay locally.

London-based planning giant BartonWillmore, which has submitted a planning application on behalf of Pelham Holdings was accused of trying to pre-empt future development plans for the county.

Barton Willmore's plan is for a mixed-use “urban extension” to the south of the town, which it says will provide the area with much-needed new homes over the next 12 years, together with new job opportunities and community facilities.

Of the 3,000 new homes, 750 will be affordable, and accompanied by a business park, a primary school, a sixth-form college, a nursery and three local centres providing shops and other facilities, including a medical centre.

Wymondham Town Council said it was “disappointed” to learn that the plans had been submitted to South Norfolk Council.

Mayor Len Elston said: “We have been aware for some time that Barton Willmore were working on this project, and would have preferred them to wait for the outcome of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership joint core strategy for future housing development in Norwich and the surrounding area, which includes Wymondham.

“As a council we know that the town is a key location because it is situated on the A11 and has good rail links to Cambridge.

“South Norfolk have been working hard developing a Local Development Framework which will identify suitable land for future housing needs. It seems to me that Barton Willmore are pre-empting this process by submitting proposals for land which is presently outside the development boundary. We await the full details from South Norfolk before calling a public meeting to determine residents' feelings before formally replying.”

Dr Ian Shepherd, policy co-ordinator for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Norfolk, said: “The Greater Norwich Development Partnership is in the process of developing a strategy for about 23,000 houses in the greater Norwich area between now and 2026. I do not think any individual applications of such a significant level of housing should be entertained until the strategy in the greater Norwich area is agreed.”

Pelham Holdings says environmental sustainability is at the heart of the plans and the development has been designed to create a green way of living. The development will meet Level 4 of the government's Code for Sustainable Homes and will preserve the site's natural features, such as the lizard county wildlife site. In addition, areas of green open space will be spread throughout the develop-ment to create a pleasant living environment.

Future residents will be encouraged to walk and cycle, with homes located within walking distance of local facilities and services.

View Pelham Holdings' plans at www.south wymondham.info. Pelham has also set up a public information line on 01603 813985.