RESIDENTS near Lotus Cars’ headquarters have threatened to derail an £8m bid to redevelop the site.
The conflict comes amid reports of an escalating dispute over company staff speeding through the village of Hethel in Norfolk.
Locals living near the production facility claim they are awoken each night by workers driving loudly at high speeds after knocking off.
The Hethel Parish Council said there has been “no improvement whatsoever” since previous complaints and have escalated the issue, Eastern Daily Press reported.
Chairman of the council, Colin Rudd penned a recent email which threatened to try and stop future plans if the issue wasn’t solved.
“It is quite clear that any further expansion plans must take into account this unsociable behaviour as by your own admission you cannot control this behaviour,” he wrote.
These plans include construction of new roundabout and a route to improve access to the Hethel Technology Park.
Worsening the situation is that £5m of the £8m cost of the project is funded by a levy on housing developers to pay for infrastructure.
Mr Rudd believes the money could be better used elsewhere.
“£5 million is a lot of money. And I can’t believe spending public money on a project for a commercial business is considered a good option,” he said.
“This clearly does not benefit the public. It should be used for community projects.”
However, a spokesman for Lotus said the company had a long history of helping those who live in the area.
“Norwich has been home to our sportscar manufacturing for over 57 years, and we have a long-standing commitment to the local community,” he said.
“In recent years, we have invested over £500 million in R&D and operations, and play an active role in the area.
“The roundabout that is being built next to the factory will enhance site access, whilst also improving road safety and congestion in the area.”
