19/02/2025
New affordable homes in Swaffham will recognise famous archaeologist’s local roots
A site plan of the coming development off New SPorle Road in Swaffham.
Work will soon start on 51 new affordable homes in Swaffham following a successful land purchase. The new development will be named after world-famous archaeologist Howard Carter, who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, as well as recognising his family connections to the area.
Not-for-profit housing provider Flagship Group has just completed the purchase of a two-hectare site off New Sporle Road, where it already has planning permission for the project, called Carter’s Green.
Tony Tann, managing director of Flagship’s development subsidiary, Flagship Homes, said: “At Flagship, we’re committed to tackling the housing crisis by building high-quality, energy-efficient homes that benefit local communities. Securing this land in Swaffham is another key step towards our goal of increasing the supply of affordable homes across Norfolk.
“This development will provide a mix of home sizes and tenures, helping more people find a home that suits their needs.”
The Carter’s Green development will consist of 51 affordable homes. Image: Google StreetView
The development will include 12 one-bedroom maisonettes, 28 two-bedroom houses, eight three-bedroom houses and three four-bedroom houses. Thirty-one of the homes will be for affordable rent, allocated to people on the local housing register. The other 20 will be for Shared Ownership – a scheme which allows people to gradually buy their home while paying rent on the remaining share.
Another developer has been given permission to build five bungalows on a small adjoining site, sharing the same access.
The homes will be arranged around a main cul-de-sac and a couple of smaller side roads. A children’s play area and public open space will take shape next to New Sporle Road. There will be more open spaces with trees near the end of the cul-de-sac, and a public footpath will link the site to a public right-of-way.
Some properties will have bat and bird boxes installed. Existing hedgerows will be preserved, and additional planting will enhance biodiversity.
Carter's Green will be located in Swaffham's north, a short walk of the town centre. Image: Google Maps
In 1922, Howard Carter made history by discovering the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who died in 1323 BC. But his family had deep roots in the area long before the discovery.
Howard’s grandfather, Samuel Carter, lived at Keeper’s Cottage on New Sporle Road while working as a gamekeeper for the Manor House between the 1830s and 1850s. It was there that all six of his children were born, including Howard’s father, Samuel John Carter—a well-known Victorian animal portrait artist. The family later moved to a house on Sporle Road, which eventually passed to Howard in 1920.
Construction at the site is due to start in spring. The planning application for the project, made in partnership with ILG Limited, was approved by Breckland Council’s planning committee in October.
Flagship Homes is on course to deliver 580 affordable homes in the 2024-25 financial year. Working with both landowners and agents, Flagship Homes is always looking for new land opportunities across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire to deliver much-needed homes for outright sale, Shared Ownership, and affordable or social rent.