Plans to use the main road through Trowse as an access point for a major construction project have been strongly opposed by villagers at a parish council meeting.

Permission has already been granted for 75 homes to be built in the Arminghall Settlement, however, the planned access route has changed.

Originally, access to the site was planned via White Horse Lane, where an access junction is currently being built by Norfolk Homes.

But as the junction is not yet complete, the Arminghall Settlement is now seeking permission to use the main road in the village, The Street, enabling them to access the site via Hudson Avenue.

Sarah Simpson, director of transport and planning at Royal HaskoningDHV, said the plan was not ideal, but was necessary.

She said: 'There is a lot of pressure from the council (South Norfolk) to build and develop in this area and we can't wait for the White Horse Lane access road as our permission will expire. This route is not our preferred route, but we will ensure it satisfies the Highways Authority.'

The Arminghall Settlement is proposing it accesses the site through the village on a temporary basis, until the first 45 units are complete.

However, villagers argued that the route is neither safe or suitable.

A planning solicitor suggested the Arminghall Settlement was jeopardising the safety of villagers to avoid negotiating a price for access via Norfolk Homes' junction on White Horse Lane.

He said: 'You are dodging negotiating. We are not opposed to the development of the new homes but we cannot accept this proposal. Construction traffic will become de facto in the village and the road is completely unsuitable.'

Many others voiced their concern that the roads were not suitable for heavy goods vehicles, saying the village was a conservation area full of children.

Mrs Simpson explained that traffic management systems would be put in place – an explanation that was greeted with loud groans of disapproval.

A spokesperson for the Arminghall Trustees said: 'We remain committed to working closely with the local community and the parish council to try and resolve any issues surrounding the site.'