Swaffham councillors consider street lighting options for final phases of major housing project

Councillors have considered the potential cost of street lighting for taxpayers regarding a major housing development in a market town.

Abel Homes, based in Watton, are the developers for the Swan's Nest site in Swaffham which includes bungalows, two-bed, three-bed and four-bed homes.

After outline permission had been agreed for 250 more houses at the settlement in October 2018, phases four and five of the extensive project are now being worked on.

During a virtual town council meeting this week, councillors considered the county council's request for street lighting on the estate as part of the final phases of the project.

During preliminary discussions, Independent town councillor Judy Anscombe suggested exploring the option of solar panels with Abel Homes.

And Residents4Residents councillor Ian Pilcher expressed concerns over street lighting being an "expensive obligation" on Swaffham taxpayers.

He told the meeting: "The financial implications are that, last year, the electricity bill for street lighting was in excess of £25,000 which is around six per cent of the annual precept budget.When people pay council tax, they expect a range of services, not just to Swaffham, they also pay council tax to Breckland."

Mr Pilcher proceeded to ask if Breckland Council could take on the costs of the lighting but town clerk Richard Bishop said they could not.

Residents4Residents councillor Graham Edwards described the street lights as a "poisoned chalice" which should be left to Abel Homes to sort out themselves due to the lack of specialist knowledge within the council.

The developer had previously proposed to see solar panels fitted to every home when unveiling final phase plans to build 175 homes on land west of Watton Road last summer.

Independent town councillor Les Scott reinforced the view that low level and solar panelled lighting would be the best option.

The town clerk told councillors the only aspect they had to decide on was whether to meet with the developers to secure more information and to consider it as a financial issue. This was agreed.

Mr Bishop also said the council may have to explore play areas, and whether they would want litter or dog bins at the site.

For more information on the Swan's Nest project, visit www.abelhomes.co.uk/developments/swans-nest-swaffham/