A previous application for 110 houses was deferred by West Norfolk Council's development control board in December to allow the highways authority time to respond.

Now the proposal, which has fewer homes and more parking, is to be re-examined by the board tomorrow (Monday).

The site, in Bennett Street, is still home to large factory buildings.Taylor Wimpey Developments hopes to build a mixture of flats and houses, 31 of which would be affordable, including two, two-and-a-half and three-storey buildings.

Planning officers have recommended the plans, which already have outline planning permission, be approved despite local opposition.
Their report said house types have been modified to better reflect local materials and building characteristics. It adds: "The general form of the development would present an attractive and meaningful frontage towards Bennett Street."

But Downham Town Council has maintained its opposition, fearing it would create a hard, urban environment.

Members believe the development will be over-intensive and out of keeping and fails to provide enough open spaces.

West Norfolk Council received 102 letters of objection to the original submission outlining a vast array of concerns, including the potential impact on trees and wildlife and fears the site could be contaminated.

The latest application has attracted a further six letters.