Some locals have objected to plans for a new 16-bed care home - despite hopes that it will "help to tackle bed-blocking" in Norfolk's NHS hospitals. 

Ethos Care is hoping to establish the private centre in an existing building off Hall Lane, just outside Drayton. 

The proposals would see the building extended to facilitate 16 en-suite bedrooms, the installation of a new public footpath to provide a new access point and the development of a 23-space car park.

Norwich Evening News: An aerial view of the siteAn aerial view of the site (Image: Google Maps)

Despite the plans receiving support from the village's parish council, a number of homeowners living near the site have written to Broadland District Council to voice their opposition.

"This development would have a detrimental effect on our privacy due to our garden being directly overlooked by it," one neighbour said.

"Also, Hall Lane is already a relatively narrow country road with few line markings and just enough width for two vehicles to pass. 

READ MORE: 'We will keep the pressure on': Wetherspoon pub parking row meeting is held

"It is not designed to handle any further traffic or pedestrians.

"Regular noise from low-flying aircraft using Norwich Airport make it hardly conducive to the convalescence of intended residents."

The home would specialise in complex care for patients who require ventilation and who have intensive care regimes that have been referred from intensive care units in NHS hospitals.

"To increase activity at that end of the road, and to potentially have more pedestrians trying to negotiate that section of road is an accident waiting to happen," said another concerned homeowner.

Norwich Evening News: The proposed layout for the care homeThe proposed layout for the care home (Image: Broadland District Council)

READ MORE: Locals oppose 'dangerous' plans for 14 homes in former city car forecourt

"Vehicles speed and the mini roundabout is often misused. 

"There have been a few close calls at that roundabout that I have witnessed personally.

"This road should have been blocked off when the NDR was completed."

Despite the backlash from folk living near the site, the purpose of the application is to ease pressure on local NHS hospitals.

"The centre will free up intensive care unit beds by providing a step-down service," said Gavin Elsey, director of development operations for the applicant Ethos Care.

"Everyone is aware of the shortage of beds.

"We hope this centre will help to tackle this problem."