Plans to double the size of new a 53-home estate in Stoke Holy Cross have been shunned by neighbours, who have called the move by Hopkins Homes 'utterly ridiculous' and 'an accident waiting to happen'.

The Suffolk-based developer has lodged an application to build 53 dwellings next to a 53-home estate on a 5.4 hectare site off Broomefield Road. The first phase is due to be finished by the end of the year.

But South Norfolk Council has so far received 20 objections to the extension, mostly from neighbours concerned about the traffic chaos they say it would bring.

One objector, Broomefield Road resident Louise Galloway, said in a letter to the council: 'This poses a serious risk to pedestrians and particularly children as they walk to school and either have to cross or walk in the road as the footpath is completely blocked or try to navigate obstacles.'

Another objector, Alice Gowling, of Broomefield Road, told the council the road was already hazardous.

She said: 'It is dangerous and impossible to actually drive on the road without having to swerve and let someone pass and not to mention destroying the pathways and roadways.

'So for this to continue and become increasingly worse to build another 53 houses I believe it is utterly ridiculous.'

But Robert Eburne, Hopkins Homes planning manager, said the application was in line with the South Norfolk Local Plan, and they did not believe the increased traffic would disadvantage the village.

He said: 'The proposals also provide a further 17 affordable homes, an extension to Stoke Holy Cross Primary School's grounds to help improve their outdoor facilities and a substantial £600,000 community infrastructure contribution. This is in addition to a £180,000 community contribution and pathway improvements into the village from the first phase of development.'