Families in a village have raised fears that it could become a town after they were invited to suggest how their area should be developed.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Parish Council chairman Philip Edge. Picture: East Harling CouncilParish Council chairman Philip Edge. Picture: East Harling Council (Image: Archant)

Harling Parish Council held a workshop inviting members of the community to put forward what needs to be improved and where their village should be developed in the coming years.

Among the issues raised was the need to bring stronger transport links to the area and residents were able to highlight on a map where should be developed, where recreational areas should be created or where more transport links are needed.

Parish council chairman Philip Edge said: "There was a lot of people and it was interesting to hear people tell us what they want.

"There's just so much information it is going to take a long time to collect all the information but it was a terrific turnout.

Thetford & Brandon Times: The field on Kenninghall Road at East Harling which is the site of a proposed housing development of 67 houses, adjacent to the Poppy Fields development. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe field on Kenninghall Road at East Harling which is the site of a proposed housing development of 67 houses, adjacent to the Poppy Fields development. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

"We had lots of suggestions with everything from recreational parks to transport."

The council is now sorting the information gathered at the open day into a formal document that will be made available to the public.

A concern repeated by many residents was that the area should remain a village.

Mr Edge added: "We have our Village Hall Committee who organised our town fete to raise money for the up-keep of the hall.

"There were hundreds of people and we estimated that there was around 750. Obviously the committee kept in their minds they were raising funds for the hall but it was a lovely, traditional village fete and we want to be able to keep that community in our village."

In the past two years a number of developments have been subject to criticism from families.

Plans for 350 new homes in East Harling are currently in the application stage from various developers.

In January this year Chesire-based developers Gladmans applied to Breckland District Council for permission for up to 198 new homes to the south of the village, on land between the B1111 Garboldisham Road and Lopham Road.

This development has not yet been decided by Breckland Council.