Fears have been raised about how a town will cope with hundreds of new homes ahead of a meeting to discuss the first phase of a town’s 5,000 home development.

Eastern Daily Press: Areas in Thetford where there are proposals in place to build 5,000 homes.Areas in Thetford where there are proposals in place to build 5,000 homes. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2013)

Submitted by Hopkins Home, the bid for 343 homes on Norwich Road in Croxton is part of the Thetford Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE).

Known as KingsFleet, outline planning permission for the SUE, including up to 5,000 homes, employment land, three schools and a community centre, was granted in November 2015.

The first phase – recommended for approval – will include 292 one and two bed flats and two, three, four and five bed houses.

There will also be 51 affordable flats and houses.

Eastern Daily Press: Areas in Thetford where there are proposals in place to build 5,000 homes.Areas in Thetford where there are proposals in place to build 5,000 homes. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2013)

A community centre, food convenience store, additional retail units, a recycling point and cycle ways are also part of the development.

Thetford town council has commented saying: “It is unclear how the various needs of the residents are to be provided and financed in particular, cemetery, doctors, dentist, allotments and community hub.”

In the planning report it states: “The overriding character is one of a suburban style of development consisting of a broad range of residential building types including detached, semi detached and terraced homes.

“There are also blocks of flats provided to accommodate one and two bedroom properties as smaller housing units have been identified as being sought via the housing needs survey assessment work.”

The reserved matters application will be discussed by Breckland Council’s planning committee on Monday.

The second stage of a consultation is currently taking place following Thetford Town Council’s request to extend its boundaries to include the (SUE), which currently falls into the parishes of Croxton, Brettenham and Kilverstone.

The authority said if the boundaries do not change those who live in the new development will use the town’s services but will not be paying for them. It also said residents would pay £100 less in council tax than those who already live in Thetford.

Following the first stage, a committee which reviews the changes said it felt those living in the SUE area should be consulted when the houses have been built and occupied.

The second stage of the consultation ends on June 22.