The owner of land in a mid Norfolk village has defended plans to build new homes after strong opposition from the parish council.

Peter Howell called many of the concerns raised at this month's Foxley Parish Council meeting 'nonsense' and said there is a need for affordable homes.

The planning application for 24 homes at land to the west of the A1067 and south of Old Fakenham Road, at Foxley, has been met with strong resistance from councillors and the public.

Nicholas Mears, chairman of council, said: 'There would be significant change to the character and appearance of the site and would result in a significant harmful intrusion into the surrounding open countryside.'

He added: 'Other points raised by objectors on the Breckland Application site are lack of school provision, an adjacent intensive livestock farm, over development of the site, out of character with the village, and strain on the doctor's surgery.'

Members of the public highlighted potential impact on traffic and strain on school places.

But Mr Howell said this does not accurately represent the needs of Foxley. He said: 'The majority of people at the meeting were elderly or new comers in the village and they just don't want new houses, nobody really wants new houses, but we have to recognise there's a need for them.

'Younger people want to live in the village and I've been overwhelmed by those younger people saying they want new starter homes.'

Mr Howell said some of the objections do not accurately reflect the development plans and he is confident that the site will not lead to greater traffic congestion.

He added: 'It's a lovely site surrounded by trees and I've worked with planners for nine months discussing various schemes. This scheme was drawn up in conjunction with Breckland planners.'

At the meeting councillor Nigel Hatch noted that while the site may be cramped there is a need for homes for younger people.

He said: 'Foxley needs more people and the younger generation is suffering from a lack of anywhere to live. I would support this development provided the planning professionals are satisfied. Bawdeswell School will cope somehow.'