Housing plans on the site of a former care home in Ormesby have been broadly welcomed, as long as a vital footpath link is retained.

Norwich-based Conrad Building Services have applied to demolish Clere House in Pippin Close and put nine homes in its place.

Planners at Great Yarmouth Borough Council have eight weeks to make up their minds and the issue could be decided by the development control committee depending on the level of response.

The plans are for nine dwellings, a mix of houses and bungalows comprising one two-bedroom home and eight with three bedrooms.

One resident has already written to the borough council raising concerns about the footpath running from Cromer Road down the side of the care home linking two areas of the village and offering safe access to the pharmacy and schools.

Geoff Freeman, chairman of Ormesby with Scratby Parish Council, said he shared those concerns.

“The only thing I want to be sure of is that the access is in there,” he said.

“It is vital that we have that access to get to the pharmacy especially if you are disabled. Once you come past the telephone exchange there is no footpath except on the wrong side of the road. It is a really dangerous spot, especially for people impaired mobility or vision.

“Something has to happen to the site. It would have been nice to keep a care home in the village but that’s life.”

Senior planner at Great Yarmouth Borough Council Dean Minns said the consultation period ended on May 2 and a decision had to be made by May 31.

If it goes to committee it will be put before members on May 25.

The care home was one of three sold off by Norfolk County Council in favour of the new £8m “super care home” at Lydia Eva Court in Gorleston where residents enjoy state-of-the-art dementia care facilities.

Clere House was advertised for sale for £380,000, having dropped from an initial guide price of £450k.

It was operated by the county council owned Norsecare.

The 88-bed Lydia Eva Court was officially opened by broadcaster and journalist Jennie Bond in the summer of 2014.