A Norfolk town is set to expand by nearly 30pc following the approval of a huge new housing scheme. 

South Norfolk Council has given the green light for Orbit Homes to build 162 properties off Spirketts Lane in Harleston. 

There has been strong opposition to the project which, when combined with other new developments in the area, could see some 800 homes built over the next few years. 

Many locals fear healthcare services will not be able to support this major expansion of the town, currently home to around 6,000 people. 

The land earmarked for 162 new homes in HarlestonThe land earmarked for 162 new homes in Harleston (Image: Google Maps) The proposals will see 162 affordable homes built across 17 acres of land to the south of Spirketts Lane.

This would be in addition to approved plans for 90 dwellings on the opposite side of the road and a new estate of more than 450 homes in Mendham Lane.

If all 800 homes have two people living in them, the population of the town will increase by nearly 30pc. 

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Because the new Spirketts Lane estate is a fully affordable housing scheme, Orbit Homes will not be required to pay Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions - a charge on developers used to support new projects such as schools and roads. 

This has raised concerns about the capacity of local infrastructure to support the growing population in Harleston. 

A spokesman for Harleston Town Council said: "It is crucially important that community infrastructure should be expanded to match housing growth in order to achieve sustainable development. 

"There are serious concerns that the new housing developments will have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of local people unless additional capacity is created at local medical practices and schools."

Harleston, home to around 6,000 peopleHarleston, home to around 6,000 people (Image: Adrian Judd) Members have urged South Norfolk Council to seek funding via a shared pool of CIL contributions in order to support the expansion of local services. 

However, council officers stressed that healthcare representatives believe there is suitable capacity at the GP practice to manage the increase in population. 

The plans were approved by South Norfolk Council's planning committee at a meeting on Wednesday.