Opponents of a plan to build 51 homes in one of north Norfolk's most popular towns have voiced their concerns. 

But there was also support for Holkham Estate's proposal for a new estate off Mill Road in Wells-next-the-Sea, at a meeting of the town council on July 3. 

Peter Rainsford, a town councillor and working party member for the Wells Neighbourhood Plan, was at the meeting to hear a presentation by a Holkham representative about the scheme.

Mr Rainsford said there were around 10 people in the public gallery opposed to the new homes, on a site which has been factored into North Norfolk District Council's (NNDC) local plan.

He said: "They (NNDC) have a duty to deliver new homes in North Norfolk and it was decided that Wells should get 70.

"During the Wells Neighbourhood Plan process, it has been clear that the need for more homes for people to live and or work in Wells is a priority and that the significant increase in second homes and holiday lets is thought to be part of the problem."

Fakenham & Wells Times: Peter Rainsford, Wells Town CouncillorPeter Rainsford, Wells Town Councillor (Image: Archant)

Before the meeting, the town council had said members of the public could watch it online via Zoom. But when the meeting started, the council had "connection issues" and no-one was able to join, and its office was closed the following day.  

READ MORE: Housing for Wells: Mayor and housing group praises plans

Holkham has labelled its Mill Road plan a 'policy plus plus' estate and includes a mix of affordable housing as well as private rental properties and homes for sale on the open market.

Fakenham & Wells Times: The land in Wells which Holkham want to build onThe land in Wells which Holkham want to build on (Image: Frances Reeve)

Mr Rainsford said about the opposition to the plans: “I understand why people are not happy about having new housing developed on a plot of land adjacent to their homes but most people accept that we desperately need more houses for local people.

"This development, together with two other sites proposed for development in the next five years would deliver 70 more homes for local residential use."

Holkham plans to submit a planning application to NNDC some time over summer.