Concerns over proposals to build more than 400 homes in Dereham were brought before councillors tonight.

Members of Dereham Town Council discussed two separate proposals which are seeking planning permission from Breckland Council.

One, from Orbit Homes, is to build 285 homes off Greenfields Road.

The other, from Great Ryburgh-based Crisp Maltings Group, is to build 127 homes on land behind the disused maltings off Norwich Road.

The company also wants to bring the maltings facility back into use.

A member of the public who lives close to the maltings site raised concerns about how the housing scheme affects residents' legal right of way.

The resident, who did not want to be named, said: 'I'm taking legal advice over the right of way issue.

'Also, the new homes will be towering over the cottages and bungalows that are there.

'This is not nimbyism. There are real issues here that affect people who have been living here for 40 years and 20 years.'

The maltings, behind the Mid Norfolk Railway station, closed in 2000 and dates back to the 1800s.

Town councillor Kate Millbank said: 'I do like the idea of tidying up that site but clearly there are problems that need to be ironed out.'

Breckland district councillor Alison Webb spoke about the Orbit Homes development.

She raised concerns over the potential impact on Dereham's oversubscribed sewerage network and the density of the development.