Residents have been encouraged to attend a planning consultation to get the 'hard facts' rather than 'simply relying on rumours'.

Eastern Daily Press: Leader of South Norfolk Council John Fuller. Picture: ArchantLeader of South Norfolk Council John Fuller. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Leader of South Norfolk Council John Fuller made the comments as residents of Brooke are given the chance to see the plans for 200 new homes and a school for the first time this week.

They are being invited to the consultation hosted by FW Properties, who are behind the development, at Brooke Village Hall from 1pm to 8pm on Thursday, June 7 where they will be able to put their questions to them.

The plans have caused controversy with residents claiming they have not ben fully informed and that the construction of a school is being used as a bargaining chip to allow for more houses.

John Fuller, councillor for Brooke said: 'In advance of the landowner's exhibition there has been lots of online speculation but precious few hard facts.

'I'd encourage all interested parties to see what options the landowner is actually proposing regarding the guarantees around a new school and the numbers and potential mix of housing including affordable homes rather than simply rely on rumours.

'That way everyone can be better informed before the public meeting to be held on June 21 hosted by the Parish Council.'

The proposed site of the homes, east of Norwich Road, is outside the Local Plan boundary.

The area is only allocated 20 new homes until 2026 in the Greater Norwich Local Plan.

In emails between Brooke Parish Council and FW Properties obtained by this paper it is reported that the homes will generate the extra children needed to build a new 210-place school.

Julian Wells, co-director of FW Properties said: 'We're hoping to see lots of people at the consultation event at Brooke Village Hall on Thursday, so that we can share our ideas for the new primary school and much needed housing for the local community.

'We're keen to answer any questions that local residents may have and to gather as many viewpoints as possible regarding the potential development which will help to inform the overall layout of these proposals.'

Following the consultation a Brooke Parish Council meeting is planned in Brooke Village Hall on June 21.