Thetford council threatens legal action over Abbey Estate.

A council has threatened legal action if plans to demolish and rebuild a Norfolk estate are allowed.

Thetford Town Council has restated its concerns ahead of a judgement on Flagship’s proposals to redevelop the Abbey Estate later this month.

The idea has sparked outrage, particularly because hundreds of people will be forced to leave their houses to be destroyed.

The Abbey Estate in Thetford(Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

On October 16, the Breckland Council planning committee will make a decision on the project.

Terry Land, chairman of Thetford community Council’s business services committee, stated: “This is a significant development for our community.

“We are determined to ensuring that Thetford people’ concerns are heard and that decisions are made in an equitable and transparent manner.

“Exploring a Judicial Review is not a step we take lightly, but it reflects the level of concern about these proposals.”

Abbey Estate residents gathered to voice their concerns at a Breckland Council meeting(Image: Owen Sennitt)

The 1,100-home estate would be redeveloped in parts over two decades, with hundreds of buildings demolished and rebuilt, as well as the construction of up to 500 new properties.

Thetford Town Council said it has instructed officers to obtain legal advice on the potential cost and timeline for initiating a judicial review, if necessary.

Breckland’s planning officers have yet to publish their report on the application, which will make a recommendation to councillors to approve or reject the project.

What the Abbey Estate revamp could look like(Image: Flagship)

Last month, Thetford Town Council wrote to Breckland to express their opposition to the project. The council stated, “We strongly disapprove to the measures.

At its core, this application aims to undermine the existing community, many of whom have peacefully lived here for decades.” Key issues include suspicions that freehold property owners may struggle to obtain new dwelling because Flagship’s compulsory purchase price is expected to be lower than the value of other homes in town.

The proposal would also result in a loss of open space, potentially affecting the town’s biodiversity.

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