Taylor Wimpey Developments had its revised proposal for a mix of flats and houses on Bennett Street approved by West Norfolk Council's development control board on Monday, after changes were made to the number of houses and the parking spaces available.

An original proposal featuring 110 homes had been deferred by board members in December to allow highways officials sufficient time to respond.

But the new plans were approved at Monday's meeting after the allocation of 1.94 parking spaces per property was backed by the highways authority, while the promise of 31 affordable homes was welcomed by board members.

Stephen Lee, regional design manager for Taylor Wimpey Developments, told the meeting: "The scheme has been revised from 1.5 to 1.94 parking spaces per dwelling and has been further improved by increasing the garden depths and parking which has reduced the number of dwellings to 102.

"We feel this scheme now sits more comfortably with the surroundings and meets high standards of design."

West Norfolk Council received 102 letters of objection to the original proposal which outlined a number of concerns, including the potential impact on trees and wildlife and fears the site could be contaminated. The updated plans attracted a further six letters.

Speaking at Monday's meeting, Cllr Pam Sharp, representing Downham Town Council, said: "We are pleased the number of properties has been reduced but it is considered this proposal still creates a cramped form of development.

"This will be unsympathetic and out of character to the style of the area."

Board members also discussed issues regarding the density of housing and the fact some of the properties will be three storey, which was considered not in keeping with the town, before approving the plans.