Burnham Market to build north Norfolk 'locals only' homes

Burnham Market, near Wells-next-the-Sea, is nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea locally because of the high number of properties owned by wealthy Londoners

A north Norfolk village which voted to oppose more second and holiday homes being built has given the go ahead for 12 "locals only" homes.

Burnham Market, near Wells-next-the-Sea, is nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea locally because of the high number of properties owned by Londoners.

In a referendum, the village ruled the neighbourhood plan should stipulate new properties be principal residences.

The development was approved by King's Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council.

But some questioned whether local people would actually be able to afford the costs, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Estate agents Sowerby's said the average price of a property in Burnham Market is £1m, with even the smallest selling for around £500,000.

The properties will be built on land between Creake Road and Beacon Hill Road, south of the allotments

Jack Armstrong, of the Holkham Estate, which is behind the new scheme, said it would be a "high-quality development" that reflected the character of the area and tailored to meet local needs.

He added: "As an employer of local people in the area, Holkham Estate is keenly aware of the challenges faced by people finding affordable homes."

The scheme will create two affordable homes, two properties which will be rented out by Holkham Estate and eight small family dwellings available on the open market.

Anyone wishing to buy one of the properties would have to prove it will be their principle residence under the new rules.

The planning application attracted 14 objections for issues including the loss of hedgerows and fears it could result in "overlooking" of existing homes.

As Burnham Market is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there was some concern that it could have an impact on the countryside surroundings.

However, since the development is located between existing homes, it was deemed that it would do little to harm the conservation area.