Members of North Norfolk District Council's development committee will visit a north Norfolk holiday hotspot to discuss controversial plans for an affordable housing development.

Essex-based Hastoe Housing Association has applied to North Norfolk District Council for planning permission to build nine new properties on land just off Cromer Road in Beeston Regis, with access at a site off the Beeston Regis Common layby - opposite Priory Maze and Gardens.

Sheringham Town Council's planning committee heard the proposed development would consist of a mix of two and three bedroomed houses and flats, which will be available for both rent and shared ownership, and bills would be kept low by using ground source heat pumps.

However, despite being told that the heating and hot water bills at the properties would cost as little as £120 a year, members voted by six to one against the plans amid concerns it could lead to the destruction of the green belt between Beeston Regis and Sheringham, and impact on the Beeston Regis Common Site of Special Scientific Interest.

They also claimed part of the development was planned on common land under the custodianship of the town council which was a potenial flood risk.

And, with plans for 18 parking spaces - two for each home - councillor Anne Smith raised concerns that Cromer Road will struggle to cope with 'a sizeable increase in traffic'.

Councillors from North Norfolk District Council will make their own assessment on site on Friday at 9.40am. The public is invited to attend.