Locals celebrate victory in ‘David v Goliath’ fight against developer | UK | News
Locals in a Norfolk market town are celebrating after plans to demolish their homes as part of a large-scale regeneration were rejected. Residents of Abbey Estate in Thetford have spent the last six years fearing their family home would be demolished by a housing association. In what has been described as a “David versus Goliath” battle, they faced off against Bromford Flagship, a firm that owns more than half the houses on the estate and is proposing a major regeneration involving the rebuilding of more than 1,000 properties.
After a four-hour meeting on Thursday, local councilors spoke out against the project, allowing long-term tenants to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Fiona Kiane, who has lived on the site for 25 years and whose home could be converted into a car park under the plans, said she was “absolutely delighted” with the news.
“From the backyard to the front door, everything is mine and belongs to me,” he told the BBC. “I spent a lot of money, paid off my mortgage, and it’s all mine now.
“It pisses me off when people come in without knowing anything and decide that’s the fate of the property. I’m passionate about my house. I want to live here for the rest of my life.”
The regeneration of the Abbey Estate, built in the 1960s and 70s, was announced in 2019 as part of a £250 million plan for “long-term improvements” to the site, one of England’s poorest neighbourhoods.
“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s like winning the lottery,” Ms Kiane said.
Jen Barrett, who has lived on the site for more than 50 years, added: “I’m so happy. It feels like we’ve taken on a lot of money. They think they can run you all over.”
“Before today we thought we would probably lose,” he said Eastern Daily Press. “This is amazing.”
Planning committee members rejected the proposal on the grounds that the emotional distress it would cause outweighed any benefits, including the provision of 500 new town halls.
Dave Armstrong, the housing association’s chief operating officer, said: “We are naturally disappointed, but fully respect the decision and the views shared.
“We heard that change was needed and we are committed to working with the council and the community to make it happen.”
