Plans for a housing development on the site of Northgate Hospital in Great Yarmouth have been revealed.

G & C homes based in Corton plan to build 76 houses on the site on Northgate Street. They will be aimed at first time buyers and those using the help-to-buy scheme - a government initiative which helps people buying their first home.

The development will include a mix of three-bed and two-bed houses and two-bed flats,

Developers G & C homes have already transformed the former residential care home, Magdalen House in Gorleston into a 46 home development and are hoping to implement a similar design on the Northgate Hospital site.

Owner of G & C homes, Michael Coe, believes the housing development will be welcomed in Great Yarmouth.

He said: 'We will be building affordable housing in Great Yarmouth which can only be a good thing for the town. Everyone has been really pleased with the housing developments we have worked on so far.

'There is definitely a need for housing in the area and the development is going to be lovely.'

Councillor for Central and Northgate ward, Chris Walch, has backed the proposals.

Mr Walch said: 'We need more houses and this is a good location because the site is run down. It is definitely a good thing for the town.'

Mr Walch has however raised concerns over the added pressure the development may put on existing sewage and drainage problems in the area.

'We have had flooding and sewage problems on Northgate Street for some time and I am a little bit concerned about the effect the development will have on these problems.

'We do need more housing in the area but we have also got to be aware of the knock on effect it could have on other services,' he said.

Mr Coe believes these concerns are not relevant to the Northgate Hospital site as a new drain has been installed on the grounds to help with drainage.

He is confident the company will be given permission to carry out the housing development having worked closely with the case officer on the plans.

The company hopes to start work on the site by the early part of next year.