Two housing development schemes in Attleborough and Great Yarmouth have been put on hold while Norfolk County Council carries out an independent review of the projects, delivered by Repton Property Developments Ltd.

The Leader of the Council confirmed the pause at the September meeting, citing the difficult economic conditions currently facing housebuilding contractors as a reason to take another look at the schemes. Both projects had reached an advanced stage of planning permission under the previous administration.

The decision came after a councillor raised concerns about housing being built on Grade 1 to Grade 3 agricultural land — some of the most productive farmland in the country — against the wishes of local communities. One of the schemes reportedly involves evicting a farmer from a County Farm.

The Leader acknowledged that food security was a significant concern and that the new administration had inherited a number of housing projects from its predecessors that could not simply be reversed. "These could not be altered retrospectively," he told the council chamber, but added that the current economic climate made it prudent to revisit certain schemes.

He was careful to stress that the independent review should not be taken as any criticism of Repton Property Developments Ltd, saying the company "has always delivered outstanding results for Norfolk County Council."

A separate cabinet recommendation relating to a loan facility for Repton was also withdrawn from the meeting agenda in light of the review.