Plans for 56 new homes at a former allotment site in a Norfolk town are finally set to go ahead after years of hurdles. 

Breckland Council has approved an application for a development off New Sporle Road in Swaffham, bringing an end to a long-running saga.

The proposals had previously been brought forward by Swaffham Town Council but were ultimately scrapped amid backlash over plans to borrow millions of pounds for the scheme.

However, developers ILG and Flagship Group have now been given the green light to push ahead with the development, which will be called Days Field.

The site earmarked for new housing in SwaffhamThe site earmarked for new housing in Swaffham (Image: Google Maps) The project is split into two phases and will see a total of 51 affordable dwellings and five bungalows built on the site. 

Swaffham Town Council, which previously owned the land, ordered allotment holders to leave in 2007 to allow it to be used for housing. 

Many locals opposed the authority's plans to apply for a £6m cash injection from the Public Works Loan Board to develop the site and the bid was ultimately scrapped.

The latest proposals were met with further resistance as dozens of people filed complaints with Breckland Council about the impact of the proposed development.

Susan Jones, who lives locally, said: "There have been so many developments in the last five years within Swaffham's boundaries and all without a thought for the necessary infrastructure - schools, doctors, dentists.

"Swaffham is in danger of becoming a commuter town putting pressure on the surrounding roads. We do not need yet another badly planned housing estate."

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Furious allotment holders in Day's Fields after being ordered to leave in 2007Furious allotment holders in Days Field after being ordered to leave in 2007 (Image: Ian Burt) Roberta Elsom added: "This land was bequeathed to the residents of Swaffham many years ago has been left dormant - and in fact should be utilised for the benefit of Swaffham residents.

"Meanwhile, the majority of new housing in any town tends to be sold to people moving from out of the area."

The fields surrounding New Sporle Road have already been earmarked for a further 150 new homes, which were approved by Breckland Council several months ago.