A developer has responded to concerns raised about an increase in population putting strain on local services in Aylsham.

Aylsham's Market Surgery had raised its concerns over more housing being built in the town as it responded to a planning bid proposing 242 homes put in by Hopkins Homes.

The homes are planned to be built on a 32 acre site - roughly the size of 16 football pitches - on land south of Burgh Road.

The surgery said "it would neither be practical or safe for us to care for the increased number of patients" from the development and another major one planned for the town.

READ MORE: Aylsham housing development plans met with objections 

A spokesperson for Hopkins Homes said: “We are pleased to put forward our proposal for a development of high-quality homes on land allocated for development in the recently adopted Greater Norwich Local Plan.

“In addition to the homes, a number of which will be affordable homes, ensuring a range of housing options for local people, we are providing areas of public open space, a community orchard, a play area, and new footpath connections to improve accessibility.

“We will continue to work closely with the local community and relevant authorities to ensure that this development enhances Aylsham and its surrounding areas.”

There are also concerns of overcrowding from residents who live in bungalows near the proposed development.

They worry that bigger houses will "overshadow" them, resulting in a lack of privacy.

In a letter responding to the  Hopkins development, Aylsham Market Surgery also raised concerns over a separate bid to build 252 homes including a 90-unit extra care/independent living scheme at land at Norwich Road.

That planning bid was deferred at a recent planning committee at the council.