The fate of a controversial development which has caused uproar among villagers worrying it will turn the Norfolk Broads community "into a town" will be decided this week.

The 176-home development in Martham, which will increase the population of the settlement by more than 20pc, has been recommended for approval by Great Yarmouth Borough Council's planning officers.

Developer Broadland Housing Association wants to build 125 open market and 51 affordable homes on farmland off Repps Road and Rising Way.

The Martham village sign and greenThe Martham village sign and green (Image: Newsquest) It says it hopes to "create a special and sympathetic village extension that respects the agricultural and historical character of the community."

While a final decision is yet to be made, officials have given the green light for it to go ahead, believing it represents a "sustainable development that will bring social and economic benefits" to the area.

A new £1.9m roundabout will also be constructed as part of the development.

READ MORE: Rambler suffers adder bite on the Norfolk Broads at Martham

An aerial view of the Martham development proposed by Broadland Housing AssociationAn aerial view of the Martham development proposed by Broadland Housing Association (Image: Broadland Housing Association)

But the scheme has proved controversial since the plans were first unveiled last year.

It has received more than 100 objections, with many worrying it will push local services to the brink with roads and doctor surgeries already struggling to cope with demand.

It led one villager to write to the council, stating: "What will current residents of Martham suffer? Overwhelming of our doctors, no dentists, rising crime? If you're insistent on turning this village into a town then put the infrastructure in first."

READ MORE: Housing development in Martham refused - but appeal already under way

An early morning sunrise at Martham Broad - a beauty spot close to the villageAn early morning sunrise at Martham Broad - a beauty spot close to the village (Image: Newsquest/IWitness)

Others worry many of the open market properties will end up being used as second homes due to locals being unable to afford the more expensive detached houses.

Councillors will vote on whether to approve it or not on Wednesday this week but authority will be granted to officers to make the final decision, subject to Section 106 monies - the amount a developer must contribute to the local community - being agreed.