A NORFOLK housebuilder plans to build 12 more family homes on a site in Swaffham where it is already constructing more than 50 homes.

A NORFOLK housebuilder plans to build 12 more family homes on a site in Swaffham where it is already constructing more than 50 homes.

Abel Homes, based at Little Cressingham, near Watton, has been given the go-ahead to build the extra homes at Castle Acre Road in the town, on the site of a former Bernard Matthews hatchery.

The company launched sales at the site - which it has named 'The Hatchery' - in July, and reports are that sales have been strong, with phase one almost completely sold before its completion.

'As soon as we launched the site, it became clear that there is a strong demand for good quality family homes in Swaffham,' said Abel Homes Managing Director Tony Abel.

'We therefore took the decision to apply to build more homes on a small parcel of land adjacent to the original plot. We are delighted that Breckland Council has given us the go-ahead, and it means that 12 more families in the town will be able to move into a quality new home.'

The original plans, approved in 2008, were for 51 two, three, four and five bedroomed homes on the 3.65 acre site, with Abel Homes also providing a large area of public open space. The revised plans allow for an additional 12 homes, with access issues also requiring a slight redesign of three of the homes allowed for in the original plans.

'The strong demand for the new homes at Swaffham goes to show that local housebuilders who really understand the needs of the communities in which they live and work can buck the market trend,' said Mr Abel.

In November Abel Homes revealed that the main street through the new homes will be called Admiral Wilson Way, in honour of the Swaffham-born Victoria Cross-holding naval hero.

The show home at The Hatchery, Castle Acre Road, Swaffham, is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.