A PLAN to develop 25 new homes near Thetford has been disrupted after planners approved one half of the site, but rejected the other half.

A PLAN to develop 25 new homes near Thetford has been disrupted after planners approved one half of the site, but rejected the other half.

Breckland Council's Development Control Committee voted through plans to build 10 news homes in Harling, on land at Lopham Road.

Moments later they voted against an application from the same developers for 15 homes on adjacent land.

However, in a new twist the second set of houses could still get built - because of a near identical application for 15 homes that Breckland council through out in September, but which will go before an independent inquiry today.

If the inquiry's inspector rules in favour of the applicant's earlier application, Monday's decision will not affect the developer's ability to build.

Officers recommended the committee vote against the second set of houses because they went against policy which identified more appropriate places for development.

But Nigel Wilkin, councillor for Necton, raised fears. He said: “I am concerned that we are waiting for a bus that may not arrive. This preferred site of extra houses may not happen.”

This week's inquiry will produce a result in around six weeks. David Taylor, the applicant pledged to develop the first 10 homes whatever its outcome.

He said: “It's very strange because effectively they've approved half the development.

“We've shown there is a requirement for the homes and we have shown them a suitable site. We're trying to extend the site the best way we can and win the appeal.”