Two major housing applications, which could mean a total of more than 400 new homes being built on land on the eastern side of the town, have taken a step forward with the submission of plans to Breckland Council.
Orbit Homes has submitted its full application for 285 homes off Greenfields Road, while the agents for Crisp Maltings Group have given notice that the Gt Ryburgh-based business is submitting plans for 127 homes on land behind the disused maltings off Norwich Road.
Outline permission was granted for Orbit Homes to build 220 homes off Greenfields Road in the town two years ago and last year a public exhibition proposed increasing it to 312.
But now the developer has plumped for 285 with a full application going to Breckland planners this week.
A design and access statement submitted with the scheme explains that the proposal is for 214 two, three, four and five bedroomed open market houses with 71 affordable homes.
It adds: 'The design of the development will provide for an attractive residential environment with the creation of significant areas of public open space, incorporating play space and access to walks which will promote healthy lifestyles.
'A noise bund will be constructed to mitigate the impacts of vehicular noise from the A47.'
It also proposes three large areas of public open space including a green corridor from the A47 to the historic Dereham Windmill to maintain the view of the landmark from the bridge over the trunk road.
The agents for Crisp Maltings confirmed yesterday that they expected to submit their planning application last night for 127 homes, part of a multi-million pound scheme that would see the redundant historic maltings also brought back to life.
Earlier this year the Times reported that the company wanted to begin maltings operations again from the Dereham site and viewed it as 'a jewel in Norfolk's food and drink supply chain crown'.
The resurgence in independent brewing and craft beer leading to more demand for a variety of malts was cited as the reason behind the company's decision to look at Dereham again.
The maltings, behind the Mid Norfolk Railway station in Dereham, closed in 2000. It was formerly known as the P&G Smith Maltings and dates back to the 1800s.
It is on English Heritage's 'at risk' register.
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