Revised plans to build homes on the former Pinebanks site in Thorpe St Andrew have been supported by councillors – despite concerns about increased traffic.

Fresh plans have been submitted for 231 homes at the former Norwich Union sports ground site – which has now been left unused for more than five years – alongside 71 homes at the nearby Griffin Lane site.

It comes after Broadland District Council rejected an initial application for 215 homes on Pinebanks alongside 54 at Griffin Lane by development managers Ocubis, on behalf of Jersey-based owners of the site Berliet, in February.

The revised plans, which include the retention of the oldest parts of Pinebanks house and 30pc affordable homes across both sites, went before Thorpe St Andrew Town Council last night at a meeting attended by more than a dozen members of the public.

Town councillors, who do not have the power to approve, supported the revised plans despite concerns raised from the public that they would increase traffic in areas such as Hillcrest Road, increase pressure on existing schools and doctors' surgeries in the area and, in the case of Griffin Lane, take away valuable green space which is a magnet for nature.

Brian Wilson, 76, from Weston Wood Close, off Hillcrest Road, Mark Barton, 47, from Hillcrest Road and Julie Shepherd, 46, from Bungalow Lane, off Yarmouth Road were among those to raise concerns last night.

Speaking after the meeting, a spokesman for Ocubis said: 'We're very pleased Thorpe St Andrew Town Council has once again given its approval to our proposals.'

The spokesman added they would deliver 'much needed' private and affordable homes together with a package of sport, recreation and leisure facilities 'for the whole community'.

The revised plans still have to go before Broadland District Council for a decision.