A former hospital site which had been earmarked for a £6m church could now become a housing development.

The Lind Trust has submitted an application to build 29 homes on the former David Rice Hospital in Drayton, near Norwich.

It comes more than four years after the trust withdrew its application for a 1,000-capacity Norwich Family Life church at the site.

The latest plans to Broadland District Council would see the homes spread out over more than four hectares, with access from Drayton High Road.

But people have already expressed concern about the impact on the area, which is popular with dog walkers.

Les Brown, planning consultant, said: 'The site was purchased for development of the church, but it was decided that a better location would be closer to the city. We don't intend to prevent use of the lower part of the site. Our intention at the moment is for people to be able to continue to do what they have always done there.'

The new homes would not exceed two storeys and include seven affordable houses on the site.

Gerry Clayton, 68, who lives nearby, said: 'Twenty nine homes is not much, but it is already difficult to get out onto the A1067. I come out of my road and sometimes I'm queuing from here to Middletons Lane.'

Norman Roads, 75, who lives near to the site, added: 'I have no objection providing they still allow us to walk dogs on there.'

Do you have concerns about a proposed homes development? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.