The houses have been earmarked for land in Bexwell Road – on the site of an existing office, warehouse and distribution premises – to meet a recognised need for modest family homes in the town.

However, the application has been met with an objection from Norfolk County Council's highways department, which has stated the site does not have adequate access to public transport and there is an inadequate provision of off-site facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to link with local services.

West Norfolk Council has received eight submissions which have raised concerns about housing being built in a predominantly industrial area, pedestrians will have to cross the busy A10 to access the town centre and that commercial rather than residential developments, are needed in Downham.

The council's development control board will meet to discuss the plans on Monday with officers recommending refusal on eight grounds, including inadequate facilities for servicing the site and the remote location of the development in relation to the town centre.