A regeneration project to build a series of new homes on a Thetford estate has been given a boost by the town council.

A regeneration project to build a series of new homes on a Thetford estate has been given a boost by the town council.

Up to 66 new homes are planned for land on Sweyn Close and Fulmerston Road on the Barnham Cross estate in Thetford and now land currently used as a playground on Sweyn Close has been sold for �170,000 to build 17 of the homes.

The town council has stressed the money however will be used to provide another play area and new allotments for the town. .

A detailed planning application has already been submitted to Breckland Council by Flagship Peddars Way Housing Association and, if successful, the final outcome will be decided in March.

Since 2008 work has been ongoing on the Barnham Cross Estate to improve the area and bring homes up to modern standards.

In some cases this has meant the redevelopment of homes, particularly in the Sweyn Close and Fulmerston Road area where the buildings were deemed uneconomical to bring up to standard.

As part of the offer from the town council, a redundant garage off Fulmerston Road will also be remodelled to provide additional parking and alternative access to the cemetery.

Strategic projects manager for Flagship Peddars Way, Laura Handford, said: “We are delighted to have Thetford Town Council's support. Flagship Peddars Way's purpose, as a housing provider, is to create places where people want to live.

“Regeneration allows us to improve the standard of housing, creating sustainable communities for the future.”

Permission has already been granted for two wheelchair bungalows on a derelict garage site off Mingay Road and works will begin there in the spring with completion due towards the end of the year.

Tenants will be pre-selected from Breckland's housing register in order to accommodate specific needs, although if anyone in need of this type isn't registered Peddars Way have urged them to contact the council as soon as possible.

A further �8,000 will be provided by the housing association for lay areas and people will be able to comment on improvements they would like to see.

A drop-in event will be held on March 9, at 5.30pm at Fulmerston Road Church for people to view the proposals and ask questions.