WYMONDHAM'S mayor has hit out at plans for major housing development in the community he serves. The town council has recently completed the technical consultation response on the so-called joint core strategy for the Greater Norwich Development Partnership.

WYMONDHAM'S mayor has hit out at plans for major housing development in the community he serves.

The town council has recently completed the technical consultation response on the so-called joint core strategy for the Greater Norwich Development Partnership.

And now mayor Len Elston has sent a letter to the Mercury on behalf of the council to voice concerns about future large-scale development and urge decision-makers to listen to local people's opinions.

Options for 4,000 or 2,000 new homes for Wymondham are outlined in the proposals.

But the mayor warned: “Given the suggested levels of new houses in other similar market towns in Norfolk, the current proposals for Wymondham are extremely difficult to justify to local residents. We are of the opinion that development should be spread around South Norfolk.

“The consultation documents lead me to believe that the town has been disproportionately targeted for new development. Construction has already started on 275 new homes and planning permission has been granted for a further 114 dwellings at other sites, and I feel that these should be taken into consideration when determining the final figure.”

Mr Elston said the recent submission by Pelham Holdings to develop 3,000 new homes in the town had high-lighted a growing movement among residents opposed to developments of that nature. The campaign group. Fight for Wymondham, had been formed and had held a march in September, with more than 300 people attending to voice their objections. A petition had also been started.

The mayor added: “Ultimately, the town council is not against controlled growth which will enhance the town and the life of its residents. However, I would therefore ask that local opinion is taken into account, and it is quite clear that the levels of either 4,000 (option one) or 2,000 (options two and three) are not welcomed.”