An endangered bird habitat in Norfolk has posed threats to the progress of developing 5,000 new homes in 24 locations across the region.
Stone curlews, a species of bird that can be found in the Breckland area, have been discovered to be nesting at a site that has been earmarked to for 5,000 new properties, according to Natural England.
Following this, Breckland council said the site may no longer be suitable – in 2006 a special protection area of a 1.5km buffer zone was designated for the bords displaying how rare they are.
Members of the council warned if authorities approved building in the restricted zones, they would likely face a legal challenge from Natural England.
Sarah Suggitt, the council’s executive member for strategic and operational planning , said: ‘The Brecks is an area of significant value to bird life, including stone curlews, woodlarks and nightjars and the special protection area (SPA) is designed to protect this landscape.
‘We are very fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful and special part of the country and this is why it is important for us to adopt this latest advice given.’
Although the housing plans have been brought to a pause, most of the schemes impacted had not even reached the planning stage. However, there are two applications in Foulden and Thompson for 25 homes that are now affected by the regulations.
Against this backdrop, the current Thetford Sustainable Urban Expansion – a plan for 5,000 homes, schools, employment areas and health care facilities in the town remains unaffected.
Image: David Clode
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