Final phase of King's Lynn Hillington Square revamp approved

Objections had been made about privacy concerns before the plans were approved

The final phase of a controversial revamp of a block of flats and a community centre has been approved.

The Hillington Square regeneration project in King's Lynn, Norfolk, will create 65 affordable homes, modernising the site first built in the 1960s.

Previous plans were blocked in 2021, with West Norfolk councillors calling designs "ugly" and reminiscent of the Soviet era.

Four blocks have been refurbished to date.

Plans to regenerate the site began in 2010, when designer Wayne Hemingway was appointed, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There had been concerns the build would lead to a loss of privacy for people living in existing buildings at the site.

At a previous planning meeting, Anita Carrell, who lives near the site, spoke of the many concerns neighbours had about the development, including fears it would harm the setting of the 14th Century All Saints Church - one of the oldest in the town.

The application had received 50 objection letters.

There was also disappointment at the lack of family homes provided by the revamp.

However, officers explained there had previously been problems finding people who wished to rent the larger three-bed flats and that smaller units were in higher demand.

Developers Freebridge had revised the design of the buildings after the 2021 application was refused and, following Historic England's support for the scheme, councillors agreed with some members that the revamp would improve the character of the area.

While fears of overlooking remained, it was decided this was not a major issue.

The revamp, which will provide 65 affordable homes and new commercial units to replace the community centre, was approved by five votes for, one abstention and one vote against the proposal.