A planning application for 4,000 homes has been submitted by a district council.

The ambitious development includes two primary schools, shops, a petrol filling station and sports pitches.

Although the preliminary planning application has been available since July 31 of last year, Monday saw the publication of the official application.

The project, to the south of Attleborough, will also involve the development of transport infrastructure, including a road linking Buckenham Road and London Road, and a pedestrian footbridge across the railway line to connect with Leys Lane.

A spokesperson for Breckland Council said: 'While it is widely known that Attleborough has been earmarked for significant growth, the planning application for the town's Sustainable Urban Extension is still under consideration by the council.

'Following some recent amendments to the application and on receipt of further environmental information, members of the public are being invited to submit their comments.

'This consultation is required by legislation and forms part of the normal planning process for a proposal of this scale.'

The planning documents can be viewed at www.breckland.gov.uk/planningsearch, and searching for reference 3PL/2017/0996/O.

Attleborough is identified in the Breckland Core Strategy as a market town for 'substantial growth'.

From 2001 to 2026, the town is expected to see at least 4,500 new homes built - 500 of which are have already been agreed.

The most recent census in 2011 showed Attleborough had a population of just under 10,500 people, living in about 4,500 houses.

An impact study estimates the 4,000 new homes would mean an extra 9,200 residents for the town, practically doubling its size.

It says two new primary schools planned would create about 120 jobs and an extension of its secondary school would create 60 jobs.

The study, called Attleborough - Potential Impact of 4,000 Additional Homes, was prepared on behalf of Breckland.

We'd like to know your views - what do you think of the plans? Email sophie.smith@archant.co.uk or ring 07764 623827.