Care in the community

New development can be a thorny issue in many rural localities but not so with Norfolk’s Holkham estate, says Rupert Bates

MANY rural communities take a oneeyed view when it comes to new development. Not so in the Norfolk village of Burnham Thorpe – birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson.

Six new homes may not seem much but they are testimony to the bold vision of the Holkham estate in not only accepting the need to address the chronic shortage of housing in this country but also in making sure local people benefit from affordable prices.

Two of the six properties will be rented to local people, maintaining the estate’s voluntary policy of renting its houses solely to people who live and work in the area. In addition, the estate will be making an offsite, affordable housing contribution to the King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council.

Holkham is best known for its Palladian hall, art treasures and sporting excellence, including wildfowling and driven game- shooting, with keepers resplendent in bowler hats. The estate last built new homes in Burnham Thorpe in 2003 and insists that its properties blend with the local vernacular – a vision driven by long-term stewardship and sustainability to support the running of 25,000 acres along the North Norfolk coast.

Holkham, home to the Earl of Leicester, calls itself “a modern business in an historic setting”. Farming, sport, conservation, leisure and tourism sit alongside a property development business, with the estate owning and managing more than 300 houses.

Holkham even has an interactive farming experience called “Field to Fork”. Most importantly, the estate has its own inn, The Victoria, dating back to 1838, which, doffing its bowler hat to the estate sport, has outdoor kennels for dogs. Needless to say, much of the menu is farmed or shot locally, including venison from the estate’s herd of fallow deer.

Redundant farm buildings are on the list for redevelopment, powered by renewable energy – be it for homes or businesses.

Many modern developers do a good job parochially but on arriving at the local pub, accusing eyes may swivel and the unfamiliar builders don’t return the next day.

When you are there for the long haul – the Coke family has been at Holkham since the 16th century – you are known at the bar. You may be challenged on development plans but at least you are not going anywhere once the homes are topped out.

The estate insists that its properties blend with the local vernacular