Persimmon Homes Secures Unanimous Approval for 114 New Homes in Downham Market
Persimmon Homes has secured unanimous approval from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk for plans to build 114 new homes in Downham Market, Norfolk. The development will form Phase 2 of The Willows residential scheme and aims to provide a mix of housing options, affordable homes, green spaces, and improved community facilities.
The plans cover land south of Bridle Lane in Downham Market and were presented to the council’s planning committee by Persimmon Homes’ East Midlands team. All councillors voted in favour of the proposals, marking an important step towards delivering the next phase of the development.
The approved scheme will include energy-efficient properties ranging from one-bedroom homes to five-bedroom family houses. Bungalows will also be included, providing additional housing options for people with different needs and preferences.
The development is intended to respond to local housing demand while creating a residential neighbourhood that combines modern homes with open spaces, environmental features, and investment in essential local services.
A Range of New Homes for Local Buyers
Phase 2 of The Willows will deliver 114 homes designed to accommodate a variety of household sizes and circumstances. The proposed mix will include smaller one-bedroom properties, larger family homes, and bungalows.
By providing homes across different sizes, the development aims to support a broad range of residents, including individuals, couples, and growing families. The inclusion of bungalows will also expand the choice of housing available to people seeking single-storey accommodation.
Persimmon Homes said the properties will be designed with energy efficiency in mind, supporting the delivery of modern housing that meets residents’ needs while considering environmental performance.
The development will also contribute to the wider housing supply in Downham Market, where the approved plans are expected to bring additional residential capacity alongside supporting infrastructure and community amenities.
Affordable Housing to Support Local Needs
Affordable housing will be a key component of the scheme. Of the 114 planned homes, 23 will be designated as affordable housing, helping increase access to housing for eligible local residents.
The affordable provision will comprise 16 homes for affordable rent and seven shared ownership properties.
Affordable rented homes are intended to offer eligible households accommodation at below-market rents, subject to the applicable scheme requirements. Shared ownership provides another route into homeownership by allowing eligible buyers to purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share.
Together, these options will provide different routes to securing a home and broaden the range of housing opportunities available in Downham Market.
The affordable housing element forms part of the wider development strategy, which combines new residential properties with investment in local facilities and public spaces. The aim is to ensure that growth delivers benefits beyond the construction of individual homes.
Green Spaces and Play Areas Included in the Plans
The development will include approximately one hectare of open space, creating outdoor areas for residents and supporting the overall layout of the neighbourhood.
Two new play areas will provide dedicated spaces for children and families. Landscaping throughout the site will help establish an attractive residential environment, while planned biodiversity measures are intended to support local wildlife.
Open spaces and landscaped areas can contribute to residents’ quality of life by providing places for outdoor activities, relaxation, and informal social interaction. The planned play areas will also create opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor recreation close to home.
The scheme’s design combines residential development with green infrastructure, ensuring that outdoor areas form part of the wider community layout rather than being limited to individual gardens.
Nearly £1 Million for Local Infrastructure and Services
The approved development will generate Section 106 contributions totalling almost £1 million to support local services and infrastructure.
The funding will be allocated across several areas, including education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, healthcare, and library services.
The planned contributions include:
- £520,000 for Downham Market Academy, supporting local education provision.
- Almost £250,000 for SEND provision, helping support services for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
- £164,000 for NHS services, contributing towards local healthcare provision.
- £21,000 for local library provision, supporting community library services.
Section 106 contributions are payments or other obligations secured through planning agreements to help address the effects of development and support necessary local infrastructure.
The funding package is intended to help local services respond to the additional demand associated with new housing. By directing contributions towards education, healthcare, SEND provision, and libraries, the scheme will support several important areas of community infrastructure.
The investment forms a substantial part of the development’s wider contribution to Downham Market and its surrounding area.
Sustainability and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the design of Phase 2 of The Willows. Every home will include an electric vehicle charging point, providing residents with facilities to charge compatible vehicles at home.
The development will also feature attenuation ponds to support sustainable drainage. These systems help manage surface water by temporarily storing runoff and controlling its release, reducing pressure on drainage infrastructure during periods of heavy rainfall.
In addition to their drainage function, the ponds are expected to create new wildlife habitats and contribute to the site’s biodiversity.
Landscaping and open spaces will further support the development’s environmental objectives by introducing green areas within the residential layout.
Supporting Wildlife Through Homes for Nature
Persimmon Homes will also incorporate measures to support wildlife under its commitment to the Homes for Nature initiative.
The housebuilder will provide the equivalent of one bird box or swift brick for every home. These features can offer nesting opportunities for birds and help integrate wildlife provisions into the built environment.
Hedgehog highways will also be included throughout the site. These small openings in garden boundaries can allow hedgehogs to move between gardens and other suitable habitats, helping reduce barriers to their movement.
Alongside the planned open space, landscaping, and attenuation ponds, these measures are intended to make biodiversity a consideration throughout the development.
Persimmon Welcomes Council Decision
Michelle Jeffrey, deputy managing director of Persimmon Homes East Midlands, welcomed the unanimous decision and said the company was pleased to secure support for the next phase of The Willows.
She highlighted the planned range of high-quality, energy-efficient homes, including affordable housing, as well as the new green spaces, play areas, and investment in local services and infrastructure.
The council’s approval marks a significant planning milestone for the project. The development is set to combine 114 new homes with affordable housing, environmental features, recreational spaces, and financial contributions towards local facilities.
Through Phase 2 of The Willows, Persimmon Homes plans to expand the housing available in Downham Market while incorporating measures intended to support community needs, sustainability, and local infrastructure.
Source Link:https://www.persimmonhomes.com/
