A controversial bid to build 65 homes in a village is set to go ahead after council officers recommended the proposal be given planning permission.

However Breckland Council's planning committee could still decide to reject the scheme for land south of Dereham Road, Mattishall, at Monday's planning meeting.

The plans are the second put forward by applicants Gladman Developments for the site with a previous bid for 90 homes currently in the appeal process.

Although officers have recommended approval that suggestion is subject to the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) removing its objection due to risk of flooding. A LLFA report will be read at the planning meeting.

Breckland is currently lacking a five-year housing land supply and, as laid out in national policy, must accept all proposals which meet sustainability criteria.

The officers' report adds the development would bring an increase in council tax receipts, new homes bonus, and provision of open space and allotments.

It concludes: 'The site is in a sustainable location, close to existing facilities and local employment. A development of 65 dwellings would mark a departure from the existing pattern of development in this part of the village, but, subject to an appropriate design and layout, its impact is unlikely to have a significantly harmful urbanising effect.'

More than 100 letters of objection have been received by Breckland from people living in the village. These point to a number of concerns including sewerage problems, lack of employment, poor drainage and additional traffic on already congested roads.

It has also been argued that due to the location of the site on the edge of the village those living there would not feel part of the village.

Campaign group Mattishall Matters is also standing against the scheme and will be speaking at the planning meeting.

A spokesman for the group said: 'In our view an extra 65 houses will have a detrimental impact on the visual character and amenity in the area, which was why the main reason the 90 were turned down.'

She added: 'It seems the council is running scared because they have an appeal to fight early next year.'

The scheme will include 26 affordable homes, meeting Breckland's 40pc target, should it be considered financially viable.

What do you think? Write to doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk