Cllr Jon Wedon and I formally launched a Pre‑Action Protocol (PAP) against Great Yarmouth Borough Council following its decision on 20 May 2026 to approve the Links Road development. This decision has left many residents in Gorleston and Hopton feeling ignored, frustrated, and let down.
For months, local people have raised serious and well‑evidenced concerns about traffic congestion, overstretched NHS services, inadequate infrastructure, and ongoing failures within the area’s sewage network. These were not speculative objections — they were supported by information placed directly before the Development Management Committee.
Despite clear warnings about wastewater capacity, despite concerns about pressure on local roads and public services, and despite widespread objections from residents, the Council chose to approve the development. Many residents feel this is simply not good enough.
Why We Have Taken This Step
The people of Gorleston and Hopton deserve a planning system that ensures major developments are supported by the infrastructure required to sustain them. Residents are increasingly tired of being told that issues will be resolved “later”, while roads become more congested, services more stretched, and communities are expected to absorb the consequences.
We believe there are serious questions that need answering about how this decision was reached and whether all relevant issues were properly considered. That is why we have now begun the formal process toward potential legal action.
This challenge is about more than one planning application. It is about:
- Defending our communities
- Ensuring accountability in decision‑making
- Making clear that residents’ concerns cannot be brushed aside
As County Councillors, we were elected to stand up for the people we represent. Remaining silent when decisions are made that could have long‑lasting consequences for our communities is not an option.
Next Steps
The Council now has 14 days to respond to the Pre‑Action Protocol letter.
We will keep residents fully informed as this process moves forward. In the interests of transparency, the PAP letter submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council regarding the Links Road decision has been made publicly available.
