An application has been made to demolish two semi-detached houses on Sculthorpe Road to enable eight new dwellings to be built.

The homes will vary in size but each will have its own garden and garage space around a private road.

A spokesman for the residents, Dr Christopher Rogers, told councillors of their concerns.

He said: "The plans are for eight units but there's a possibility of three or four more.

"We live on a very narrow road in a quiet part of town and there are issues with both parking and access.

"The drainage is very bad and there are a number of mature trees that would be lost.

"We have all protested about this and are looking to the council for support."

Ann Chappel, chairman of the council's development and market committee, said that she and her colleagues had already objected to the proposed plans.

'detrimental'

"We share your concerns and entirely sympathise.

"We believe over-development in an area like this will be detrimental to the environment and the way of life of the community," she said.

The plans will now be considered by the district council with the possibility of a site meeting.