Ambitious plans have been unveiled for one of the biggest new housing developments in North Norfolk.
The 300-home development proposed for Norwich Road in Cromer includes proposals for new sports pitches which, it is envisaged, could provide a new permanent home for Cromer Town Football Club, whose own ground is being developed.
Local landowner Michael Gurney revealed his vision for the site at a public meeting at Cabbell Park.
The new development, which would also accommodate Cromer Youth Football Club, proposes a mix of 'modern, child friendly and environmentally sustainable housing, including necessary affordable housing'.
According to the developers, the homes - largely hidden behind woodland - would be accessed from a new roundabout near the rail bridge on the A140 and include a footpath and cycle link to nearby Roughton Road train station, on the main line between Norwich and Sheringham.
Local residents are being invited to view the plans when they go on display in Cromer Parish Hall on Thursday, September 7, from 4pm to 7pm.
Mr Gurney said: 'If people don't support us then we won't take it forward.' But he added: 'If they do we propose to submit a planning application in September.'
It is understood that money from the sale of Cabbell Park could be used to help fund the sports pitch development, which it is anticipated would also attract grants from other sources such as Sport England.
Mr Gurney, who revealed the new pitches would take two years to build, has offered the land to a new sports trust being set up to run Cromer's senior football club on a 99 year lease if the plans for the new homes are approved.
The Anglian Combination League side has previously been given a guarantee from North Norfolk District Council that it can stay at Cabbell Park until a new home is found.
Welcoming the new proposals, Philip Harris, vice-chairman of Cromer Town FC and a town councillor, said: 'I think it's going to be a massive boost to the town.
'It's exciting because it's not providing just a football pitch for the main team, it is actually providing facilities for other people as well, so everyone can come together and benefit from a good clubhouse with facilities around the clubhouse – training facilities and fitness areas and things like that. None of that exists in many towns in Norfolk and we could have one of the premier football pitches in the north Norfolk area.'
The plans are also due to be aired at a meeting of Cromer Town Council's planning, transportation and environment committee in the town's North Lodge tonight (Thursday). The meeting gets underway at 7pm and the public is invited to attend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here