Plans for 27 new homes and the replacement of an existing sports and leisure club have been recommended for approval.

Developers Serruys Property Company Ltd is seeking permission to redevelop the Oasis Sports and Leisure Club in Thorpe St Andrew.

It would see the existing Georgian building, on Pound Lane, knocked down and replaced along with an extra 27 homes.

Broadland District Council's planning officers have now recommended for the application to be approved. It is due to go before committee members next Wednesday.

A supporting statement for the application said: 'The Oasis is popular for certain activities, less so now for sports, and has been running at a substantial loss for a number of years.

'My clients have explored other uses on the remaining unused parts of the site to subsidise the loss making club. These either presented planning difficulties or were not viable.

'All past options have been undermined by the endemic problems of the club's inefficient buildings which have been added to over the years from the base of the Victorian house 'Woodlands'.'

The original home dates back to 1797 and remained in private hands until the 1970s.

Thorpe St Andrew Town Council has already objected to the plans on a variety of issues, including the impact on traffic and the loss of mature trees.

It has also raised concerns about the demolition of the leisure centre house, which is regarded as an important piece of the town's history.

Developers submitted similar plans in May 2014 seeking permission for 59 homes, but these proposals were withdrawn before they went to committee.

The plans state the leisure centre would be replaced.

Also being discussed by the planning committee next week is a variation of conditions relating to the 231-home Pinebanks development, also in Thorpe St Andrew.

Are you concerned about a large scale housing development near you? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684 or email luke.powell@archant.co.uk