Two communities in Norfolk are caught in a remarkable dispute over a proposed housing development on the historic site of Robertson Barracks, originally a military base where key figures like Churchill and Eisenhower once convened during World War II. The ambitious plan aims to erect 2,000 homes on this coveted 400-acre parcel of land, and both Swanton Morley and Hoe and Worthing are vying for administrative control over this development, each keen to reap the benefits of increased council tax revenue and local investment.

Swanton Morley, a parish with a population of around 2,300, argues that the entirety of the site should be integrated into its local governance. This is primarily due to the fact that much of the barracks, including the military structures, reside within its boundaries. Conversely, the larger expanse of the former RAF airfield—which constitutes the majority of the proposed housing area—falls within Hoe and Worthing, a significantly smaller community comprising only about 300 residents. This geographical division has led to accusations of a “land grab” from Hoe and Worthing, whose representatives are concerned that such a move would render them effectively obsolete.

At a recent meeting of the Breckland District Council, tensions escalated as Roger Atterwill, chairman of Swanton Morley Parish Council, proposed altering the existing boundary lines to designate oversight of the new properties to his village. Celia Daniel, her counterpart from Hoe and Worthing, vociferously rejected the proposal, declaring it “morally wrong” and describing the potential reduction of Hoe and Worthing’s jurisdiction as a significant concern. Local farmer Michael Goff echoed her sentiments, asserting that the plan would “reduce Hoe and Worthing to an utterly irrelevant, moon-shaped sliver” of what it currently is.

This dispute also raises questions about the wider implications for local planning and community resilience. The military base is set to close in 2031, with plans already in place to replace it with residential developments as part of a broader initiative to build 16,500 homes across the area. Atterwill insists that a unified local development plan would best serve residents' needs, especially since Swanton Morley possesses greater resources—including a GP surgery, a village hall, and a medical practice—compared to Hoe and Worthing’s relatively sparse amenities.

The historic significance of Robertson Barracks cannot be overstated. Originally an RAF airbase, it served as a strategic location during the war, and its transformation into a residential area represents a shift not only in usage but also in identity for the local communities. The barracks currently house 400 personnel from the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, and the local council has aspirations to convert the Grade II listed air traffic control tower into a museum, preserving the site’s rich legacy.

Complicating matters further, local residents have expressed incredulity at the intensity of the dispute, particularly given the modest size of both communities. Some have characterised the situation not as a classic ‘David versus Goliath’ struggle but rather as a more comical ‘David versus David’ scenario, highlighting a certain irony in two small villages vying for a sizable development.

In a landscape increasingly defined by housing shortages, the case of Robertson Barracks serves as a microcosm of broader tensions surrounding development, community identity, and the delicate balance between preserving local heritage and meeting modern housing demands. With major planning decisions on the horizon and the district council urging caution, the trail of negotiations and community dynamics surrounding this significant site will likely evolve over the coming months, calling into question the very essence of local governance and community spirit in the face of such monumental change.

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Source: Noah Wire Services