A GP practice could be expanded to cater for the hundreds of extra people expected to move into a growing suburb on the edge of Norwich.

Plans have been put into Broadland District Council to extend Drayton Medical Practice in Manor Farm Close onto neighbouring land given by Hopkins Homes, which has started building 267 homes in Hall Lane.

Norwich Evening News: Drayton Medical Practice, which could be expanded if plans are backed by Broadland District CouncilDrayton Medical Practice, which could be expanded if plans are backed by Broadland District Council (Image: Denise Bradley)

The land transfer is part of a Section 106 agreement for the Manor Farm Close development and a footpath is being built linking the site and surgery, according to Drayton Parish Council chairman Graham Everett.

A design and access statement from applicant Medical Centre Holdings said: "Extensive residential developments locally will lead to a significant increase in patient list size over the next 10 years, so additional facilities are required.

Norwich Evening News: Building work has started on the Hopkins Homes Manor Farm Close development in DraytonBuilding work has started on the Hopkins Homes Manor Farm Close development in Drayton (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Drayton Medical Practice is one of the largest practices in north Norfolk with a registered list size of around 18,200 patients.

"The scheme will provide the community with improved access to services locally and help to reduce pressures on acute capacity."

Norwich Evening News: Adrian Crotch, Conservative councillor for Drayton on Broadland District CouncilAdrian Crotch, Conservative councillor for Drayton on Broadland District Council (Image: Angela Sharpe Photography)

Both the parish council and Conservative district councillor Adrian Crotch welcomed the plans amid work progressing well on the 71-home Norfolk Homes Wensum View development in Drayton High Road, and permission for 29 homes on the former David Rice Hospital site in Drayton High Road.

Norwich Evening News: New homes in the Wensum View development in Drayton, which is being built by Norfolk HomesNew homes in the Wensum View development in Drayton, which is being built by Norfolk Homes (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Crotch said: "All medical practices are under pressure and with the increase in housing in Drayton the expansion will make life better for patients and the influx of patients."

Norwich Evening News: Graham Everett, Drayton Parish Council chairmanGraham Everett, Drayton Parish Council chairman (Image: Dominic Gilbert)

Mr Everett, who praised the surgery, said its expansion was a red line for the parish council in order for it to support the Hopkins Homes site.

NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board also supports the extension application and the business case is going through the approval process.

The next phase is for the business case to be submitted to NHS England.