Councillors will be urged to refuse planning permission to build 285 new homes in Dereham due to growing concerns about sewage, traffic and the impact on the character of the town.

Orbit Homes wants to build the properties near Dereham's historic windmill and Breckland Council's planning committee is due to decide on the proposal today (Monday).

The company already has outline permission for 220 homes.

District councillor Alison Webb, who is due to speak in opposition to the plans at the meeting, said: 'No more homes should be built in Dereham until they resolve the sewage problems the town is facing.

'There is raw sewage spilling on to pavements near schools and shops and extra homes will make things worse.'

Concerns raised by the public include loss of views of Dereham Windmill.

Breckland Council case officer Matt Ellis has recommended approval, stating in a report to councillors that the development 'would make a significant contribution towards the supply of housing, including affordable housing' in Dereham.

His report adds: 'There is no substantive evidence to suggest that the proposal would have a significant adverse effect on local infrastructure.'