Wymondham homes fight launched

People in Wymondham are fighting back against a London developer's plans to build 3,000 new homes in the town.

A group of residents will today launch Fight For Wymondham, a campaign to oppose a planning proposal by Barton Willmore on

behalf of Pelham Holdings for a

new, sustainable “mixed-use”

urban extension to the south of the town.

The campaign was founded after a public meeting called by the town council last month at which 300 residents declared their opposition to the proposal.

Group supporters are worried that the development, which they say would increase Wymondham's housing by half, would destroy its identity as a historic market town.

The campaigners also claim it would pose a substantial risk to local wildlife and put an overwhelming strain on the town's services, especially its renowned schools.

But Pelham Holdings insists that the scheme would provide the area with much-needed new homes over the next 12 years, together with new job opportunities and community facilities.

Under the plans, the company is proposing to build:

3,000 homes, 750 of which would be classed as affordable.

A business park, and

The new services necessary to support the development, including a primary school, a sixth-form college, a nursery and three local centres providing shops and other facilities such as a medical centre.

Pelham Holdings says environmental sustainability is at the heart of the plans and the planned development has been designed to create a

green way of living for future residents.

But Fight For Wymondham is urging people opposed to the development to write to South Norfolk Council's planning department.

Campaign spokeswoman Julie de Rohan said: “Fight for Wymondham is about safeguarding Wymondham's heritage and future.

“Now is the time to make our voices heard. We can make a difference.”

The protest group is launching a website - www.fightforwymondham.

com - with information about how people can get involved. You can also call 07766 287 233.