A controversial scheme to build 3,000 new homes at Wymondham is unlikely to be determined by the district council until early next year. The proposal, submitted by Barton Willmore on behalf of Pelham Holdings, has sparked fierce opposition from residents who set up action group Fight for Wymondham, and are holding a protest rally on Saturday to highlight their concerns.

A controversial scheme to build 3,000 new homes at Wymondham is unlikely to be determined by the district council until early next year.

The proposal, submitted by Barton Willmore on behalf of Pelham Holdings, has sparked fierce opposition from residents who set up action group Fight for Wymondham, and are holding a protest rally on Saturday to highlight their concerns.

Wymondham's five district councillors have also united to oppose the development which would increase by 50 per cent increase the current number of homes.

Pelham says its plans will provide the area with much-needed housing over the next 12 years, together with new job opportunities and community facilities. But objectors claim it will turn an historic town into “urban sprawl.”

Derek Blake, South Norfolk Council's cabinet member for planning, housing and the built environment, said: “The Wymondham planning application lodged by Pelham Homes is for a very large development indeed. We are talking about 3,000 homes on 192 hectares of land in multi-ownership, plus a further 19 hectares of land for employment and 52 hectares of open space. There are proposals for three local centres of shops and services plus a nursery and primary school, and a sixth form centre.

“The application is thus very complex and involves all the usual consultation bodies such as the Environment Agency, highways, and many others.

“The pre-planning phase is very important as we, and the government inspectorate, would expect to resolve as many of the issues in advance as possible. This is clearly to the mutual advantage of all the parties and will ultimately aid and facilitate full and open consultation throughout the process.

“This will not delay the process but expedite it to ensure that in the end, the correct proposals are made.”

To allow time for proper consultation, the application would probably not come before the planning committee until January 7, 2009 which the applicants have agreed to.