An application to site 23 mobile homes on a field in Norwich Road has split community opinion in Attleborough.

But the message from the people who already live in similar homes on the site is clear: 'we're proud of where we live'.

Residents on the Oak Tree Park residential park have spoken out in support of the houses after the Mercury reported on objections to Tingdene Homes's application to Breckland Council.

Pete Beauchamp, who moved into one of the 60 of the park's properties last June, said he loved living there.

He said: 'We've got a great community here where everybody looks out for each other. These homes are far more economical, they're far easier to maintain as you only have a small plot of land to look after.

'We are living in a house that we have still got to look after and keep in top condition. We are quite passionate about where we live - you would never get me back in a bricks-and-mortar house now.'

Another resident, Sheila Young, said there was still a misperception that the homes were made of plastic and looked like caravans. She said the residents were house-proud and looked after their properties, and many of the homes cost more than bungalows in Attleborough.

Neighbour, Norma Abbott, agreed, and said: 'How can people make comments when they don't know what this place is like?'

Resident Syd Morris said the park was an ideal community for the retired and semi-retired.

He said: 'Where else would you get 60 or 70 homes together where everybody knows everybody?'

But the town council's planning committee remains unconvinced of the planned homes's merit.

At a meeting earlier this month, all committee members voted to recommend Breckland turn down the application except Tony Perkins, who said he didn't have a problem with the homes.

Councillor Sam Taylor had called the homes 'horrible' and said they were not in keeping with the 'street scene', and Cllr Vera Dale suggested they be hidden behind a row of bungalows.

Tingdene builds the homes in Northampton in two halves, and they are brought to Attleborough by lorry for assembly.