Flooding concerns are holding up a controversial housing development which has been at the centre of a village row.
Bennett Homes is hoping to build 43 new properties on land at the junction between Gowthorpe Lane and Main Road, in Swardeston.
The project has received a number of objections from both the parish council and members of the public - with folk in the area describing the homes as a "visual blight" and raising concerns over increased pressure on local services.
Now, the plans have been hit with a fresh obstacle after Norfolk County Council's flooding department objected to the current scheme.
The authority has requested more information from the developer, including a detailed report and demonstrating how the surrounding areas would be protected from flood risk.
According to Swardeston Parish Council, "there is virtually no chance" of any of the proposed homes flooding.
But there is an issue with surface water runoff from the site itself into Gowthorpe Lane - with the road experiencing "severe floods" in recent years.
It is understood the primary reason for this is that a former ditch and associated gully in the area have been filled in by the landowner.
READ MORE: Plan to turn arson-hit school into housing FINALLY gets green light
As a result, the authority has asked for a condition to be attached to the application that would ensure Bennett Homes reinstates the former "ditch, gully and overflow" or incorporates a drainage scheme into its plans.
Locals have been fighting against the plans since the application was lodged in August.
The parish council previously described the development as a "visual blight".
READ MORE: Tui FINALLY agrees to pay compensation to family after 10-hour flight delay
"It will add to the village's existing traffic volume and speeding problems," the authority wrote to South Norfolk Council.
"It will potentially cause flooding issues in the narrow lane neighbouring the development and offers little or nothing by way of facilities for general village use.
"We suggest that the [applicants] attempt cycling, or walking with a buggy or small child, [along the B1113] from the site to Mulbarton Primary School and then revisit their statements on this subject."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here