FEARS that plans for the much-maligned Mereham development may be rekindled have been allayed by a campaigner.

District and county councillor Bill Hunt said he remained confident that a renewed application would be very unlikely given previous failures and added that the case against the development remained strong.

New fears have sprung up in the wake of the coalition government’s drive to promote localism and relax planning laws, with campaigners concerned that developers Multiplex may use the new rules to resubmit its plan for 5,000 new homes on land just off the A10 near Stretham and Wilburton.

“I think it would be naive to say that the plans for Mereham have gone away but in this case I think a few people have possibly put two and two together and made five, said Cllr Hunt.

“I think it would be irresponsible not to take these worries seriously but I’m confident that any plans would fall flat. I think everyone who was involved with the campaign previously has more experience now and I think our case remains very strong.

“As far as I’m concerned the plans are dead, but rigor mortis has not yet set in.”