People living in Long Stratton have been told they have a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity as they face a decision on a new bypass for the village.

A new road taking traffic to the east is part of plans to build 1,800 homes, create jobs, reduce traffic coming from the A140 and improve road safety.

South Norfolk Council's cabinet yesterday approved plans to open its two preferred options to full public consultation for residents to have their say.

'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' said council leader John Fuller of the plans.

'It's a significant advancement in a decades-long campaign for the bypass. We feel we are getting very close to achieving that.'

Residents will have eight weeks to give their views on the two options.

The first involves the housing allocation being split over two sites – 1,200 homes to the east of the village, and 600 homes to the north west.

The second option will see the full 1,800 homes built on the eastern site within the bypass.

Both options will include the building of a new primary school and community building, expansion of the Tharston Industrial Estate and at least eight hectares for employment.

Mr Fuller said the bypass was 'a pre-requisite' for the building of the new homes, adding: 'This is a deal to become the large village – or small town – of Long Stratton in exchange for the bypass.'

Senior planning officer Richard Marjoram told councillors the large number of new homes was a serious consideration.

He said: 'We are asking about the overall capacity of the settlement. This will push numbers up to the 2,000 mark for Long Stratton – we need to ask if that's deliverable.'

Cllr Terry Blowfield, member for Long Stratton, praised the choice on offer, adding: 'I broadly welcome both of these proposals and I would like to see what the public have to say.'

Dates for the consultation have not yet been confirmed but it will run from May to July.