More than 250 new homes are a step closer to being built as another wave of developments in Emneth, Downham Market and King's Lynn are given the go-ahead.

Applications for another three estates were approved by West Norfolk Council's planning committee - another sign of how the lack of five year land supply is opening doors for developers.

In yesterday's meeting, full planning was given for 130 homes off Marsh Lane, in King's Lynn as well as outline planning for 117 homes in Emneth, near Wisbech and 20 homes on land behind Bexwell Road, in Downham Market.

The King's Lynn development is the first of four sites identified as part of a major housing scheme in the Marsh Lane and Lynnsport area. Its main access point will be through the already approved new road running from Edward Benefer Way to the sports centre complex.

Councillors debated for more than an hour on the outline application for an estate in Emneth, on land off Elm High Road. Their final vote just worked in favour of the developers, despite nearby Fenland District Council objecting to the proposals.

At one point, Chris Crofts suggested the application is refused on highways grounds.

He said: 'I don't know how Norfolk County Council have come to their decision [to object the application]. Anyone leaving the estate in the mornings will not be able to turn right out of that road - it will be gridlocked.'

But Geoff Hall, executive director of environment and planning at West Norfolk Council urged Mr Crofts to reconsider his position.

He said: 'Three bodies that have been consulted on this application in relation to highways have no objection to it. My advice to you is that if this application is refused, on highways grounds, we will lose any appeal because the consultees raised no objections. That would be at a considerable cost.'