A housing association is looking to build 38 homes on an eyesore site in Thetford.

Havebury Housing wants to develop the former gas works site on Bury Road, which has sat derelict since 2006.

The housing association wants to build a mix of one, two and three bed housing, along with a play area on the site.

It is now inviting the public to look at its pre-application plans for the site at a consultation event to be held at the Guildhall, in Market Place, from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, November 30.

Karen Mayhew, Chief Executive at Havebury Housing Partnership, said: 'Havebury intends to develop 38 affordable homes on the former gas works site in Thetford – a site which has been unused since 2006.

'With over 2,000 people in the Thetford area waiting for accommodation, we are delighted to continue our close working relationship with Breckland Council providing quality, affordable new homes that are in great demand.

'If we are successful in gaining planning approval, we anticipate building work commencing towards the end of 2016.'

The site was used as a gas work since the 1960s, before an office and other buildings were built during the 1970s and 1990s.

All buildings on the site were destroyed by National Grid in 2006.

The Thetford Society has previously pinpointed the former gas works sites as a major eyesore in the town.

Stuart Wright, chairman, said the group welcomed the development of a brownfield site, but had a number of concerns, including parking.

'The architects seem to rely upon a statistic of nearby flats not having much car ownership and one wonders if they are aware that the adjoining St Michaels Close is a sheltered housing scheme which would not have too much car ownership.

'The parking numbers proposed give only 13 spaces for visitors above a one vehicle per dwelling, surely not enough when in all likelihood there will be on average at least one vehicle per household,' he said.

What do you think of the development plans? Email andrew.fitchett@archant.co.uk or call 01842 752510.