A major development that could see 1,300 new houses built in a Norfolk town has taken a step forward after plans were submitted for 750 homes.

Property developer Endurance Estates has applied to South Norfolk Council for permission to build the new homes on land to the south of Wymondham railway station at Rightup Lane, which was previously used as a gravel pit for construction work on the A11 carriageway. Part of the site is now disued, while part is in agricultural use.

The builder is also proposing to provide financial contributions for a new community hall, library and even a new ampitheatre to stage plays at the site, which also has a fishing lake. The plans, submitted last week, also include a care home, shop and primary school.

However, concerns have been raised about whether sewerage and drainage in the area would be able to cope with the new homes with one resident, Pauline Van Haeften, stating sewerage had been seen leaking from a manhole cover in Station Road opposite the Railway pub.

Over 500 people provided a mixed response to the plans at a two day exhibition organised by Endurance Estates in October. The development will sit alongside a separate Pelham Homes development for a further 500 houses.

Endurance Estates director Tim Holmes said: 'We are confident South Wymondham will provide much needed new homes utilising an area much of which is redundant industrial and former quarry workings, but that is an incredibly short walking distance of Wymondham town centre and the railway station.'

He added 33pc of the homes would be affordable in accordance with planning policy and many would be family homes, while there would be 30 acres of public open space for walks linking to footpaths, as well as allotments and a community orchard.

Wymondham has been earmarked for 2,200 homes as part of the Joint Core Strategy drawn up by the Greater Norwich Strategic Development Partnership for where 37,000 houses should be built in the Norwich, Broadland and South Norfolk areas.

South Norfolk councillor Colin Foulger, who represents Rustens ward in Wymondham, said he needed to see a more detailed plan, but added: 'My personal view is that the homes should not be put altogether on one site but should be spread around the town.'

Further information on the proposal can be found at www.southwymondham.info.