A parish council that is worried the infrastructure won't be in place before a big development begins invited other local councils to a meeting to discuss their concerns.
A parish council that is worried the infrastructure won't be in place before a big development begins invited other local councils to a meeting to discuss their concerns.
Wacton parish council believes proposals to build 1,800 homes and a bypass at Long Stratton will put more pressure on local services that are already challenged.
Members of the council who attended the exhibition at the Methodist church in Long Stratton in July, to view plans for the development as part of Long Stratton's Area Action Plan, say they were not given firm answers about infrastructure.
As a result they invited local parish councils from Flordon, Morningthorpe and Fritton, Forncett, Hempnall, Newton Flotman, Saxlingham, Pulham Market, Shelton with Hardwick, Tasburgh, Tharston and Hapton, Great Moulton and Tivetshall St Margaret and St Mary to join them to discuss the issues.
Wacton parish councillor Paul Muston said: 'Following the meeting at the Methodist Church, members of Wacton Parish Council did not feel they had their questions answered.
'We are not trying to stop the development but there doesn't seem to be sufficient infrastructure being put into place.
'Long Stratton is a village but they are going to turn it into a town.
'Goodness knows how long it will take to get a doctor's appointment with another extra three to four thousand people.'
District councillor Des Fulcher represents the wards that are going to be most impacted by the development. He says that county, district and parish councils all have a responsibility to manage the future development.
He said: 'There is a key issue here. The main council offices are in Long Stratton.
'I believe South Norfolk Council has a moral obligation to address the issues around infrastructure in Long Stratton.
'It needs to ensure this is given some proper and serious attention.
'The resources can't cope currently.'
South Norfolk Council Leader, John Fuller said: 'South Norfolk has an enviable record of matching new homes alongside new infrastructure…
'A new, £400,000, all-weather pitch was completed in Long Stratton just a few months ago and a substantial expansion of the leisure centre is currently being planned.
'A new police station has recently been completed in Long Stratton and there are plans to handle extra capacity in the local schools…'
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