A community group is demanding answers from a council it accuses of not listening to its concern over a controversial planning application in their village.

The Griston Community Group has written an open letter to Breckland Council as the group continues to pile pressure on the district council. 

Since the start of the year, the group has voiced its concerns over plans approved by the planning committee in January, which could see  Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into the Coughtrey Trading Estate.

Villagers say it will be too near to housing, including recently constructed retirement homes.

The firm, which produces agricultural and construction parts, has said it would have a "positive impact" in the area and wanted to create a "sustainable working environment" for Griston."

In April, the group launched six legal challenges against the application just days before it was set to go before the planning committee.

A spokesman for the council says the objections are still being “considered as part of the decision-making process”.

Dereham Times: Trevor Holden, managing director of Broadland Council and South Norfolk Council, Maxine O'Mahony, Breckland Council, Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County CouncilTrevor Holden, managing director of Broadland Council and South Norfolk Council, Maxine O'Mahony, Breckland Council, Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council (Image: Sonya Duncan)

But the group claims they are being “steamrollered by Breckland planners with an inappropriate development”.

Their letter, penned by John Heath from the group, is addressed to Maxine O’Mahony, chief executive officer.

It claims that despite 40 local residents submitting more than 100 written objections, people are in disbelief as to why Breckland is still considering the development.

Dereham Times: The Griston Community Group protesting the possible development of Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into the Coughtrey Trading EstateThe Griston Community Group protesting the possible development of Eastern Attachments, a heavy industry fabrication business, move into the Coughtrey Trading Estate (Image: GCGBrecks/Minto)

The letter adds: “We feel that Breckland Council has no regard to the health and wellbeing of the people in their wards, they appear unwilling to consider any views that identify their legal and moral obligations, or the views of the people. 

“We remain disappointed in the council's planning department’s approach to dismissing the large volume of legitimate community views against this planning application.

“We need Breckland Council to show that they care for the Brecks communities without bias towards inappropriately located industrial planning to the detriment of its established residential communities.”

A spokesman for Breckland Council said: “The issues raised will indeed be considered and appropriately addressed at a future committee meeting.

“As this application is still under consideration, it is not appropriate to comment on or pre-judge the outcome of this formal process.”