Plans to build 40 new homes on land east of Heath Crescent and St. Andrew’s Road in Hellesdon have been withdrawn with the firm behind the scheme forced to explore other options.

The developers say the project, submitted to Broadland District Council in March last year, is no longer viable due to challenges from the authority.

The land was previously occupied by the Jarrold Sports and Social Club​ (Image: Google)

An agent acting on behalf of the developer, Vello, said :"My client has been forced to explore other options, because the various demands on the current application make it unviable.

"The council’s viability consultant made an unrealistic assessment of our scheme; we countered/rationalised this in turn, but he was not prepared to accept the evidence presented.

"This was a clear constraint to the applicant progressing a viable scheme as proposed.

Plans for the homes have now been withdrawn (Image: Vello Homes)

"We were faced with an about-turn by NCC Highways.

"It changed position between the pre-app enquiry and the application, at the latter stage insisting on additional (we believe unnecessary) off-site highway works.

"We sought to convince Highways otherwise, but they would not amend or apply flexibility.

"We costed the additional works at £300,000 – another constraint to progressing a viable scheme as proposed.

The plans were revised after feedback from the authorities (Image: Vello Homes)

"The imposition of the new building safety levy tax due in October was the final viability ‘straw’, so to speak."

They added other options are being explored for the site and new applications for a care home and eight bungalows have been lodged.

An earlier plan for 50 homes was submitted, but after feedback from the community and parish council, the proposal was revised.

The site, which covers 2.18 hectares, was previously home to a sports and social club for employees of Jarrold & Sons.

The club closed in 2016, and the land has since become overgrown, including disused tennis courts and a former bowls green.

© Eastern Daily Press