Around 100 residents united in a fight against over-development in their village.

Heacham campaigners are hoping their voices will be heard at an upcoming planning appeal for a care home and housing scheme - thought to be too large and in the wrong location - on the outskirts of the village.

More than 200 new homes will also be built in the area thanks to two applications which have already been accepted.

Adrian Hood, who helped organise the 'Keep Heacham a Village' meeting, said: 'The more we shout about it, the better it will be.'

Developers Broadland Housing and Townsfolk failed to overturn a West Norfolk Council decision against plans for around 70 new homes, a care home and sheltered housing units on land off School Road, last year.

After a public inquiry, an inspector ruled the location was inappropriate and harmful to the area's character.

But that decision was quashed at the High Court and a new public inquiry will open in May.

Terence Parish, a parish councillor who spoke at Saturday's meeting at Old Friend's Hall on Sunnyside, said: 'There are lots of housing being thrown up in and around Heacham. This adds to the burden on the roads, sewage and health services.'

Mr Hood, who lives on Woodside Avenue over-looking the proposed School Road development, said: 'It's vital we get a good presence at the inquiry to show the inspector we want to have our voices heard. If we don't turn up they will they can just walk all over us.'

Support is also being drummed up on the 'Keep Heacham a Village' Facebook page.

Do you have a story about a housing development? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk