Controversial plans to build more than 80 homes on the River Tud Valley could be revived at appeal.

Eastern Daily Press: Illustrative masterplan for 83 homes north of Farmland Road, Costessey. Picture: Fellden and MawsonIllustrative masterplan for 83 homes north of Farmland Road, Costessey. Picture: Fellden and Mawson (Image: Archant)

An appeal process into Katrina Kozersky's outline planning application to build 83 homes off Farmland Road in Costessey gets under way today, ahead of a full hearing at a later date.

The bid, which was unanimously refused by South Norfolk Council in December 2017, proved highly contentious, with more than 300 letters of objections submitted against it.

If approved, the development would sit on the valley of the River Tud, which currently acts as a natural barrier between New Costessey and Old Costessey.

Tim East, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Costessey, campaigned against the proposals and described the application as 'speculative and opportunistic'.

Eastern Daily Press: View from the top of Farmland Road in Costessey across the Tud Valley.Picture: James BassView from the top of Farmland Road in Costessey across the Tud Valley.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2015)

He said: 'Once built on, this sensitive river valley of the Tud, which has been there from time immemorial, will disappear forever.'

Planning inspector David Spencer will begin hearing evidence at South Norfolk Council's offices in Long Stratton from 10am.

Eastern Daily Press: The field off Farmland Road at Costessey, where a planning application for 83 homes has been rejected. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe field off Farmland Road at Costessey, where a planning application for 83 homes has been rejected. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)