Villagers battling to save their community from becoming a suburb of Norwich were disappointed when a scheme to build almost 100 homes was recommended for approval.

Norfolk Homes Limited has lodged plans to build up to 99 homes and to make land available for a new primary school on 4.7 hectares (11.6 acres) of land off White Horse Lane in Trowse.

Almost a hundred people have written to South Norfolk Council, which is due to make a decision tomorrow, to object against the proposals.

Concerns include: that the extra homes will destroy Trowse's character; that it will exacerbate parking problems; lead to congestion and is against policies intended to protect the village.

The proposed school – which would be provided by the county council rather than the developer – has also caused concern, with parents angry at the loss of Trowse Primary School.

A separate application for 81 homes on the YMCA and Crown Point land next door has been lodged with South Norfolk Council. The council has yet to make a decision on that and an appeal against non-determination is under way.

The nearby Deal Ground site has been given outline planning permission for a further 670 homes.

Local councillor Trevor Lewis is opposing the application on policy grounds, while the parish council is also recommending refusal.

The parish council says the cumulative effect of the applications would triple the size of Trowse.

In their submission to the council, chairman Lyn Fabre states: 'With this proposed overdevelopment, the village of Trowse will no longer exist as a village in south Norfolk, it will be just another suburb of Norwich.'

However, officers at South Norfolk Council are recommending that members of the development management committee grant approval to the scheme at tomorrow's meeting in Long Stratton.

In his report, which will come before councillors, senior planning officer Gary Hancox states: 'I note that there is considerable objection from local residents to the loss of the existing school.

'However, the existing school site has no room for expansion and, given the need for future housing growth in the area, it is clear that a site should be found for a larger school.'

He concludes that south Norfolk does not have a five-year supply of land for homes in the Norwich policy area; the site is in a sustainable location; is a preferred site for housing and the benefits of the scheme outweigh any harm.

Do you think too many homes are being built in Norfolk? Or are you keen to see more constructed? Write, including your full contact details, to EDP Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email EDPletters@archant.co.uk.