Another 55 homes have been approved for a village despite some fearing it could 'turn into a town'.

Outline permission was granted for new homes on the site of a former chicken farm in Martham at a borough council planning meeting on Wednesday night.

Last month, approval was given to build 100 homes on a former Mushroom farm, and in March plans for 108 dwellings were approved for an adjacent plot.

Cllr Tom Andrews (Caister South) said: 'There are fears that Martham could turn into a town. You can't build towns out of the infrastructure of a village.'

The chicken farm's operating company, Two Sisters, said the site was surplus to requirements as part of its food production business. They said jobs would be redistributed to their other sites.

Martham parish council chairman Paul Hooper raised a concern that because the site might have contamination from its agricultural use, the developer might be able to waiver its requirement for an affordable housing quota, because of clean-up costs.

The agent for the developer confirmed however that they would be committed to providing 20pc affordable housing.

The were 17 objections to the plans, mostly from neighbours of the site.

Mr Bush, a resident of the Willow estate, said Acacia Avenue - which would be the main entrance to the new housing estate, was too narrow.

He said: 'Every household in Acacia Avenue has at least one vehicle, so when a delivery lorry comes past there is no room for anyone to pass it.'

The plans were approved subject to conditions relating to traffic.

The county council highways department recommended traffic calming measures and the introduction of a 20mph zone in the Willow estate - on Rowan Road, Acacia Avenue and Willow Way, which was also approved.

A plan to mitigate the impact of construction vehicles will also be put forward by the developers.

The borough's tree and landscape officer said the trees located at the old railway line were worthy or retention, as well as an oak tree on the site.

It was also noted in the report that local schools could cope with any increase in pupils the extra homes might create. A library contribution of £3,300 was also requested and £812 for a fire hydrant.

The application site comprises 2.36 hectares of broiler farm and adjoining farming land and is triangular in shape and generally flat with the chicken farm buildings towards the southern edge of the site with undeveloped land to the north and east.

What do you think about the plans for more new homes in Martham? Is it turning a village into a town? Email Letters at anne.edwards@archant.co.uk with full contact details.