Inadequate drainage and ongoing flooding issues have cast doubt over plans for a new medical centre near Norwich where thousands of homes are set to be built.

Rackheath locals and council planning officers have raised concerns about the proposed NHS site in Green Lane East, which is planned to help cope with the area's population growth.

The land, which consists of sandy clay, is understood to have drainage issues which could cause a risk of flooding elsewhere in the village. 

Norwich Evening News: The proposed location for the medical centreThe proposed location for the medical centre (Image: Google Maps)

Developers have proposed the widening of a roadside ditch in Broad Lane to compensate for its overall size reduction caused by the creation of new access to the development.

But officers from Norfolk County Council have raised concerns about the area's existing vulnerability to flooding and have called for further evidence to prove the scheme would not have any "adverse off-site impacts on flood risk".

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"I will be having another meeting with the local flooding authority and NHS to ensure we can come to an agreed vision," said Martin Murrell, a Conservative district councillor for the area. 

Norwich Evening News: Cllr Martin MurrellCllr Martin Murrell (Image: Broadland District Council)

"It can be delivered at this location. It is just now a tabletop exercise to ensure we can find a solution to the drainage issues.

"It is a fundamental project for a growing area and it is imperative we get it done."

People in Rackheath have been raising concerns about flooding since the plans for the practice and the GT16 development for 4,000 homes were first submitted. 

"Flooding is an issue on Green Lane East," one homeowner wrote to Broadland District Council.

Norwich Evening News: Rackheath is one of Norwich's fastest growing areasRackheath is one of Norwich's fastest growing areas (Image: Newsquest)

"The fields slope down with flood risk zones in its two corners on Green Lane East.

"The pumping station cannot cope with the current wastewater, sandbags have been issued along Green Lane East."

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"The field is susceptible to flooding," said another.

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the medical centreAn artist's impression of the medical centre (Image: Broadland District Council)

"We have encountered flooding to our property due to the pumping station located in the field not [being] adequate."

Outline plans for the medical centre were approved by the NHS in August as part of a £25.2m investment in Norwich and Waveney, alongside a new health hub in King's Lynn.

A decision on planning permission for the project is expected to be made in the coming weeks.