A clash of views over the number of affordable new homes needed in Swanton Morley and the number currently empty was highlighted at a planning meeting yesterday.

A clash of views over the number of affordable new homes needed in Swanton Morley and the number currently empty was highlighted at a planning meeting yesterday.

Farmer Harry Harris has applied to Breckland for outline planning consent for a 20-new homes scheme on a parcel of farm land north of Greengate opposite Bedingfield Road in the village.

Members of Breckland Council's development control committee yesterday were told that the site is located within the settlement boundary of the village where, in principle, development of the site is considered acceptable.

But an objector to the scheme pointed out that there were 23 unoccupied properties within the parish boundaries and that there was no justification for 20 new homes.

Swanton Morley parish council chairman Roger Atterwill claimed that a village housing need survey had revealed there were 13 people in need of affordable homes.

Concerns over the effects on existing properties of surface water drainage was also expressed during the meeting but other members considered this could be looked at in more detail when the actual detailed application was considered.

Members voted in favour of approving the application subject to a legal agreement and financial contributions to education, fire and library provision and 35 per cent of the scheme would have to be affordable housing.