Locals have been left "shocked and angered" due to a housing developer turning its back on promises to create affordable homes.

Heyford Developments has applied to cut all of its affordable housing provision from the  44-home development on land off Benns Way in Terrington St Clement, arguing it is no longer profitable to build them.

It has prompted calls for the scheme in the west Norfolk village to be scrapped altogether if it can no longer deliver on what was agreed.

Eastern Daily Press: Terrington St Clement is a large village in west NorfolkTerrington St Clement is a large village in west Norfolk (Image: Newsquest)

Sandra Squire, a district councillor for Terrington St Clement, said: "I am shocked. The development was sold as offering what the village needs – more affordable housing.

"We have people on the housing list that desperately need homes but this will be of no benefit to the village at all.

"The village doesn’t need any more market housing. The schools and doctor surgeries are already oversubscribed and the development will exacerbate traffic problems."

Eastern Daily Press: Sandra Squire, west Norfolk councillor for Terrington St ClementSandra Squire, west Norfolk councillor for Terrington St Clement (Image: West Norfolk Independent Group)

The development has been dogged by controversy after it was initially turned down due to road safety fears in 2022.

But a planning inspector overturned the decision following an appeal, paving the way for the homes to be built, which were to include 20pc affordable housing.

Following a viability study, Heyford Developments said it will suffer a loss if the affordable homes are built and it has requested for the requirement to be removed.

It is one of two housing schemes to be built in the village by the company, with plans for 76 homes also approved for land off Northgate Way.

Eastern Daily Press: Where the homes could be built in Terrington St Clement n land off Benns WayWhere the homes could be built in Terrington St Clement n land off Benns Way (Image: Google)

But locals fear the infrastructure cannot cope with these large developments, and have called on more investment in the area before any more take place.

David Hillier, chairman of the parish council added: "If they can't build these affordable homes then we don't want the developments in the village.

"The developers knew what was required of them when they purchased the land and for them to turn around and say they can't build them is totally unacceptable.

"We will oppose the application."

Heyford Developments did not respond to a request for comment.