People are up in arms over plans which could see an agricultural and construction attachments building firm in the centre of their village.

Villagers in Griston are protesting the plans which could see Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into the Coughtrey Trading Estate, which they say will be alongside housing and recently constructed retirement homes within metres of the boundary.

Plans were approved by Breckland Council's planning committee back in January but are going back to them with additional information, meaning the application is still live and is set to be reviewed by the Breckland Council committee on April 18.

The Griston community spokesman said: “The community of Griston can attest to the Coughtrey Trading Estate being, for more than the last 20 years, light industry and warehousing units.

Dereham Times: People in Griston are protesting the plans which could see Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into a trading estate in the centre of the villagePeople in Griston are protesting the plans which could see Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into a trading estate in the centre of the village (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK PHOTOGRAPHIC © 2009)

“This is not a suitable site to be replaced with a heavy industry fabrication business, surrounded by residential properties.

“Breckland Council have shown no empathy or care regarding the application of their ‘healthy lifestyle’ policies for the village. The council’s approach to its healthy lifestyle policy is not to engage with the residents of Griston or consider their health and well-being.

“The Griston community believe this will have a major impact on the Brecks village amenity and the health and wellbeing of its residents.”

The applicant was Attleborough-based Eastern Attachments Ltd - with one of its co-directors being the mayor of Attleborough Phil Leslie.

We approached Mr Leslie, but he did not wish to make a comment.

The Griston community spokesman added: “It is incredulous to us that the council planning has ignored the advice of Highways who have stated that this is not a sustainable location and Environmental Health who still have concerns regarding noise pollution.

“This latest proposal is a kick in the teeth to this community.”