The face of Swaffham is set to change following the approval of three separate planning applications to Breckland council.

A total of 525 new homes will be built by developers in the east and south of the town centre, despite some objections over pollution, flood risk and the pressure the influx of new residents will put on already squeezed schools, health care and other services.

The schemes were approved at a meeting of Breckland's planning committee at Elizabeth House in Dereham on Monday.

The new estates will be: 165 homes just north of Norwich Road, on land that borders the Manor House Bed and Breakfast; 185 homes just south of Norwich Road, opposite the Manor House; and 175 homes to the west of Watton Road.

Resident Peter Day spoke out against the two Norwich Road schemes, and said they went against the national planning policy.

Mr Day said they were not economically, socially or environmentally sustainable.

He said: 'The proposal offers no job opportunities in he area and is exacerbating a dormitory culture.'

But councillors considered the plans, which include affordable housing and will benefit the town thorough Section 106 agreements, to be in order.