Battles lines are already being drawn over plans to build 300 new homes in North Walsham eight days before a public consultation is due to be held in the town.

Richborough Estates wants to build the homes on 35 acres of farmland at the northern edge of the town, off Mundesley Road.

But some residents have already taken to social media to express their concerns.

And the county and district councillor for the area, Eric Seward has played down the prospects of the proposals being approved.

He said: 'I'm surprised this company has come forward with these proposals, because on planning grounds it would be very difficult to get approval. The land is allocated as countryside and not for building houses. What they would have to demonstrate is that the district council was not providing enough land for housing, but it is, and there are 300 homes being built along Norwich Road alone.'

Several people have expressed concerns on Facebook including Daniel Jackman, who said: 'We will be fighting this all the way.'

And Sophia Jackman said: 'I think we need to put all of our concerns in writing or voice them at the consultation. So many people are in disagreement with this, but unless we express our opinion to the right people, I fear we won't get anywhere.'

Harry Jackson, of Richborough Estates, said: 'Our goal is to balance provision of homes to meet an area's housing needs, including the required percentage of affordable properties.

'Provision will also be made for the right levels of public open space and landscaping within the site.

'Appropriate financial contributions will be made to sustain local services and facilities, with the potential for a new community building to be delivered within the development and new residents will have a positive impact on the vitality and viability of businesses.

'Central to our approach is the delivery of a meaningful public consultation. It's important we ensure that the voice of the community is heard in relation to any proposal, prior to a formal planning application being submitted.'

the public consultation is at the community centre from 2.30pm to 7.30pm on December 14.