A resolution to grant planning permission given for 47 new homes at Mill Road in Wells-next-the-Sea

November 19, 2024 | News | 2 minute read

On Thursday 14th November North Norfolk District Council’s Development Committee unanimously voted to pass a resolution to grant Holkham planning permission to build 47 new homes at Mill Road in Wells-next-the-Sea.

This decision follows years of combined efforts and careful consideration between Holkham, North Norfolk District Council, Wells Town Council and local people to design a scheme that meets critical local housing needs whilst preserving the character of the local area.

The site is included in the district’s draft Local Plan. Holkham commissioned a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) with Wells-next-the-Sea Town Council in 2021 to help inform the final submission. The local community has been invited to provide feedback at multiple points during the pre-application process, with key changes made to reflect the feedback received.

26 out of the total 47 new homes (55%) will be affordable and private rental homes. 21 of these homes will directly address the shortage of affordable rent: eight social rent for people on the housing register, eight intermediate rent for key workers, and five shared ownership homes of which there are very few in the town. A further five homes (10%) will be retained by Holkham to rent to local people and key workers.

The generous delivery of rental properties is achieved via Holkham’s bespoke Policy Plus Plus approach, which voluntarily reduces the number of open-market houses for sale so the majority of properties can go into the rental market. This is already underway at the Hobbs Close development in Wells, where 23 homes (of which 13 are rental or affordable) are already under construction.

Holkham is also committed to enhancing natural capital, which is reflected in the inclusion of a significant landscape buffer as well as generous planting within the design.

The scheme represents a clear commitment to easing the severe shortage of housing in Wells and more broadly across North Norfolk. This shared aim has secured the clear support of Wells Town Council, the District Council’s Planning Policy and Strategic Housing and Landscape Officers.