An attempt to more than double the size of a housing development has sparked worries for villagers and been branded 'quite horrifying'.

Permission has already been granted to build 19 homes off Manor Road in Newton St Faith, to the north of Norwich. 

But architects Chaplin Farrant have opened an online consultation to expand the development to 51 homes, citing a need for extra housing in the area, comprising 29 affordable and 22 open market dwellings.

Norwich Evening News: The entrance to the site off Manor Road, Newton St Faith, where 51 houses could be built - Picture: Maya DerrickThe entrance to the site off Manor Road, Newton St Faith, where 51 houses could be built - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

The two-week consultation runs until February 27.

Dan Roper, Liberal Democrat Broadland councillor for Spixworth with St Faiths, said: "I am quite angry about this development.

"I opposed the application for 19 dwellings because of the total amount of development in St Faiths in recent years.

"The idea of expanding that significantly to more than 50 is quite horrifying.

"Originally 60 homes, I felt when they scaled back to 19 it was still excessive, particularly when new development Crown Meadows - just along Manor Road from this site - is made up of 69 homes."

Norwich Evening News: Cllr Dan Roper - Picture: Dan RoperCllr Dan Roper - Picture: Dan Roper (Image: Dan Roper)

"I am angry that they are seeking to increase the number and I will be expressing my total opposition to it."

A Chaplin Farrant spokesman stressed that most homes would be single-storey, with the site having an "existing landscape buffer to the east" to provide public open space.

He said: "Our client values the local community and welcomes their input - however balance has to be given to the fact affordable and open market housing is urgently needed."

Norwich Evening News: How a 51-home development off Manor Road, Newton St Faith could look - Picture: Chaplin FarrantHow a 51-home development off Manor Road, Newton St Faith could look - Picture: Chaplin Farrant (Image: Chaplin Farrant)

One of Cllr Roper's main objections - shared by those living near the site - is the entrance's close proximity to the slip road from the A140 Cromer Road.

A woman who lives close to the development site said: "It's just too big.

"And here's just nothing here. I can't see how they're going to come out on this junction.

"The traffic here will be terrible, it's got worse.

Norwich Evening News: A poster for the consultation proposing the expansion of a development in Newton St Faith, near the site - Picture: Maya DerrickA poster for the consultation proposing the expansion of a development in Newton St Faith, near the site - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

"I've lived here 53 years and feel a few houses wouldn't be so bad. But 51 is rather a lot."

Another point of contention is access to services like doctors.

Jean and Dave Razzell have lived in Manor Road since 1975.

The couple, both in their late 70s, fear that recent developments have doubled the size of the village.

"I would've been happier with 19 homes - even though I don't think it's right," Jean said.

"At the doctors, it's often six weeks before you can get an appointment.

Norwich Evening News: Manor Road, Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya DerrickManor Road, Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

"Everybody rallied to stop Crown Meadows being built and couldn't, and they now question what the point is in complaining about this one."

Dave added: "This is just a village. But builders emphasise the amenities down the other end in Horsham St Faith in their sales brochures etc. It's a load of rubbish."

Karen Landamore, 61, moved to St Faiths 18 months ago.

"I can certainly see an issue with the traffic," she said.

"Nineteen homes is probably acceptable, but 51 - I would be putting in an objection.

"It's too close to the turning which would certainly be a concern.

"There's already quite a strain on the local doctor's surgery.

Norwich Evening News: The Crown Meadows development in Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya DerrickThe Crown Meadows development in Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

"Adding another 51 houses here is going to exacerbate the problem."

Mrs Fancis lives in St Faiths' newest development, Crown Meadows.

She said: "There's a lot of open space there. I can't see the problem with the junction if people are careful."

Norwich Evening News: Crown Meadows in Horsham St Faith, the newest development in the village - Picture: Maya DerrickCrown Meadows in Horsham St Faith, the newest development in the village - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

Derek Cullum, 63, works at ShrinKit in Manor Road.

"The biggest impact will be on schooling," he explained.

"It's a nightmare now when parents pick their child up - they park right on the bend and it's only going to get worse.

"It's not in keeping with the village feel of Newton St Faith.

Norwich Evening News: Derek Cullum at ShrinKit in Manor Road, Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya DerrickDerek Cullum at ShrinKit in Manor Road, Newton St Faith - Picture: Maya Derrick (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm sure the new houses will be home to young families - but where are they going to put them?"