MP warns developer not to appeal refusal

An MP has warned a developer not to "use tenants' money" to appeal a council's decision to block a controversial housing redevelopment.

Terry Jermy, Labour's South West Norfolk MP, said he would be "very disappointed" if Bromford Flagship continued to pursue its recently refused plans to redevelop the Abbey Estate in Thetford.

The social housing association, which owns the estate, had proposed a £250m project which would have seen about half the 1,100 homes demolished and rebuilt over a 20-year period.

The firm has said it is "too early" to say if it will appeal a council decision made in October to reject its plans.

Breckland councillors turned the proposals down following resistance from local politicians and many of the 3,000 people living there.

Concerns have been raised by some residents that the housing developer may choose to appeal the decision or bring forward new plans.

Mr Jermy said that he would be "very disappointed" if Flagship chose to appeal.

"I think it would be a huge mistake, PR wise, morally, ethically," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"If I was Flagship I'd work with the community. If they're going to use their tenants' money on legal fees, that's not a good look."

Built in the 1960s and 70s as a London overspill, official figures classify the Abbey Estate within the top 10% of most deprived neighbourhoods in England.

Many raised fears during the planning process that the compensation being offered by Flagship would not be enough to afford a new home in Thetford.

Thetford Town Council also threatened legal action against the association, while Mr Jermy, who was born and raised in the town, was also a vocal critic.

A spokesman for Flagship said the developer was still reviewing Breckland Council's decision.

He said: "It's too early to confirm next steps, including whether an appeal will be pursued, but our focus remains on working with the council and the community to improve homes and the wider estate."

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