Fears have surfaced over the accessibility to a development in the Tud River valley.

News that 80 homes could be built in the sensitive wildlife haven in Costessey has sparked concern among neighbours and conservationists.

Those leading the proposal have made reassurances that Farmland Road, the only way in and out of the development, is suitable for the proposal.

But at a community consultation at the Costessey Centre last night, many neighbours questioned how the cul-de-sac will cope with added traffic as well as heavy rainfall potentially flooding the site.

Dorothy Cooper, 73, has lived on Farmland Road for 51 years and said the community feeling about the project was not a good one.

'The roads are not big enough,' she said. 'If there's a lorry at the bottom of the road now it can't even turn around.

'It is crumbling as it is and there would be no way out for us if they did it because there is only one entrance and exit.

'The development would spoil the road.'

And Mary Hall, 74, who has also lived on the road for five decades, said she was fearful over what happens when it rains hard or cold weather arrives.

'I don't think the road can take what is going to come,' she said. 'Rain water pours down the road and absolutely floods the field. When you get houses built on there, where is the water going to go?'

A planning application is yet to be submitted, but Norwich-based architect firm Feilden+Mawson has held talks with planners at South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council.

Those who went to the meeting were invited to fill-in a questionnaire on their views on the site, currently in use as arable farmland.

Do you have a Costessey story? Email samuel.russell@archant.co.uk