Plans to build homes in Watton have been met with opposition.

Around 200 people attended Queens Hall as Hopkins Homes unveiled proposals for 73 homes on land off Saham Road.

A number of people held a protest against the scheme and 163 have signed a petition against the development.

This will be the third proposal the developer has put forward for the site with previous applications for 91 and 69 homes being rejected by Breckland Council's planning committee.

One of those decisions was appealed and was turned down by the planning inspectorate.

Ron Upton, who lives on Blackhorse Close which neighbours the site, said: 'It is not just people directly affected by it who are against it.

'There are town people too.

'The feeling in the area is that Watton has had enough.

'It is well known that Watton doesn't have the infrastructure; the problems at the medical practice are well documented.

'If you add up all the approved homes and those that are being put forward it comes to something like 1,000.

'Watton itself does not need that many homes.

'It feels like Watton is the poor relation.'

Mr Upton added that there was already concern about safety on the road and that adding more homes and traffic would increase its danger.

Robert Eburne, strategic land and planning manager at Hopkins Homes, said: 'There is a continuing need for new homes within Breckland, and Hopkins Homes is committed to developing high-quality homes that support existing communities.

'We were pleased to be able to discuss these proposals with local residents in Watton.

'Many useful comments were received and Hopkins Homes will consider these as the scheme develops.'

There will be a mix of homes across the site including one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom and four bedroom homes.

Hopkins Homes will make financial contributions towards social and community infrastructure after discussions with both Norfolk County Council and Breckland District Council.

Watton councillor Keith Gilbert said: 'It was a quite well attended meeting.

'People seem to be against it. At the moment it is not a recognised site but it is on Breckland's map as a deliverable site.

'The big problem is Watton has had a lot of housing happen in a short space of time.'

Do you live in Watton? What do you think of the proposed development? Write to doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk