Controversial plans for a new paintballing centre near Norwich are being recommended for approval, despite a string of objections to the scheme.

George Black, who owns Ringland Estate, wants to create a paintballing site on 35 hectares of woodland, off Ringland Lane in Morton on the Hill.

But the proposals, which the applicant says would create 11 jobs, have sparked opposition from nearby families, with noise and extra traffic their biggest concerns.

Nearly 50 people crowded into Ringland village hall when Ringland Parish Council discussed the plans in August and the parish council has objected to the proposals.

Also opposed to the scheme are the Morton on the Hill Parish Meeting, West Longville Parish Council and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Norfolk County Council, which acts as the highways authority, has also objected, saying the roads serving the site are 'inadequate to serve the development proposed.'

However, the applicant's agent Julie Joseph, in papers lodged with Broadland District Council, says the scheme was unlikely to generate a significant amount of traffic and would allow a farm to diversify with 'little or no impact on the adjacent village.'

Simon Woodbridge, district councillor for Great Witchingham, asked for the application to be brought before the planning committee because it could bring economic and health benefits, but the potential adverse noise impact needed to be considered.

Officers at Broadland are recommending that councillors, who meet on Wednesday, give temporary approval for three years, with opening hours limited to 8am to 6pm each day and paintballing games only held between 10am and 4.30pm.

• Are you battling a planning application where you live? Tell us about it by calling Dan Grimmer on 01603 772375 or email dan.grimmer@archant.co.uk