A developer's scheme to build 350 homes in Attleborough has appeared to receive a boost after a planning inspector said the sole reason for refusal had disappeared.

Keith Manning made his remarks as he heard an appeal by Gladedale Estates for its plan to build the homes on land to the north of Norwich Road bordering the A11.

The plans were thrown out in March by Breckland Council due to flood risk and surface water disposal concerns.

The fresh bid, heard at Attleborough Town Hall, was prompted after East Harling Internal Drainage Board withdrew their objection after new information came to light with a package of measures proposed to address the issues raised.

Opening the appeal Mr Manning said: 'This is a slightly unusual case in the sense that the sole reason for refusal has disappeared so there doesn't seem to be a great deal of contention between the main parties.

'It leaves me in the unusual position of dealing with an uncontested appeal application.

'The flood risk is clearly a relevant matter although the council isn't pursuing it. Nevertheless it's important that I'm satisfied with these matters especially in view of the interest that's been expressed.'

The appeal heard that after the decision in March, a site specific study of the flood zone had been carried out to determine if it was possible to develop housing on the land safely.

Rik Totman, from Cannon Consulting Engineers, said the site had been tested for flood risks based on rainfall profiles and a proportion of it was deemed to be in a flood zone.

Those gathered heard that the proposed housing could be developed in specific parcels away from any area of flooding with a package of water storage and flood prevention measures put in place.

The appeal was attended by fifteen members of the public and Attleborough Town Council which had previously raised concerns about the plans. Mr Manning will publish his findings early next year and if approved work could commence within a year of approval.

Do you think the homes should be built in Attleborough? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk