An application to build up to 200 homes in Loddon has been given the green light.

Halsbury Homes Ltd submitted an application for outline planning permission to build on land north of George Lane with associated infrastructure and open space, as well as a new roundabout junction where the A146 meets George Lane.

The proposal was approved with conditions by South Norfolk Council's development management committee yesterday, despite receiving 40 objections from local residents and the parish council, who said the amount of homes would have a detrimental impact on the living standards of existing residents and would adversely affect the character and quality of the area.

Councillor Jane Hale, representing Loddon Parish Council, also feared the roundabout would increase the volume of traffic flowing through the village.

She said there was no longer sufficient infrastructure in the village to cope with a development of 200 homes, adding: 'Families don't let their children walk and the centre of Loddon is chaotic.'

However, a representative for the developer said the spacious nature of the proposal fitted in with the surrounding area, adding: 'It is a quality proposal designed for this location at a gateway to Loddon.'

A number of councillors expressed concerns the roundabout would only be delivered once 125 homes had been occupied, preferring it to be added after 50 homes.

Cllr Derek Blake, the committee's chairman, said: 'Overall, clearly the roundabout is the most important plus factor with all this, not just for Loddon residents, but also the surrounding area.'

Planning officers, who recommended approval, said the plan was compliant with the necessary planning acts and policies and that the material considerations of providing significant investment in highway infrastructure, recreational facilities and ecological enhancements would act as benefits to the wider locality.