Councillors praised plans to build 120 new homes on an area of land set aside for such developments close to a south Norfolk town.

South Norfolk Council's development management committee approved Persimmon Homes' plan to build 120 homes with open space, a water storage lagoon and roundabout access on land north west of Briar Farm in Mendham Lane, Harleston.

A report by planning officers stated the four hectare site earmarked for the homes had already been allocated for development and was bordered by a Badger Homes estate of single and two storey properties.

The plans indicate there will be low density bungalows next to existing developments to the north and north west of the site, while a roundabout and entrance to the south will bring traffic to a group of two-storey homes which have been designed to follow the pattern and density of the neighbouring Badger Homes estate.

A footpath and cycle links will be created to Fuller Road industrial estate, while there will also be links to cycle and footpaths in Briar Road and Briar Close.

The planning report stated Persimmon Homes had also considered the neighbouring estates in its plans to ensure there was no overlooking, while the new roundabout will replace an existing blind bend on Mendham Lane.

A sustainable drainage system will also be incorporated to ensure the risk of flooding is not increased.

Councillor Derek Blake, who represents Chedgrave and Thurton, said: 'I must applaud the design here which is very good. The building for life criteria have been followed.'

And Cllr Tony Palmer, who represents Diss, said: 'It is a pleasant surprise for me to see the developers have got it right first time.'