Two major housing schemes that will increase the size of a Broads village by almost a third have been given the go-ahead.

The developments in Martham will see more than 240 homes constructed in the community of about 3,600 people.

Broadland Housing will build 176 homes, 51 of which will be affordable, on farmland off Repps Road and Rising Way. A new roundabout will be created as part of the project.

An aerial view of the 176-home development by Broadland HousingAn aerial view of the 176-home development by Broadland Housing (Image: Broadland Housing) READ MORE: Major development 'will turn Broads village into town'

The second scheme by Crimson Developments will create 65 affordable homes off Staithe Road.

It is estimated these schemes will boost the population by more than 1,000 people.

The firm has also acquired land for the local scouting group to replace land that will form part of the development. 

Local people will be given priority for the rental properties.

What the new housing could look likeWhat the new housing could look like (Image: Broadland Housing)

Villagers in Martham had voiced their concerns about the scale of the two developments, worrying it will turn their community "into a town".

More than 100 people complained that the local services such as doctor surgeries and schools, will struggle to cope with the growing population.

Great Yarmouth Borough councillors praised the schemes due to the high number of affordable homes and rental properties they will deliver.

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Where the two housing developments will be built in MarthamWhere the two housing developments will be built in Martham (Image: Google)

Bernard Williamson, a Labour councillor, said: "I am very pleased to see that more affordable housing will be built in the northern villages. There has always been a desperate need for this type of development."

However, Conservative councillor Noel Galer said that while this housing is welcome, he worried there is a lack of employment opportunities in the area.

Boats on the River Thurne,which flows close to MarthamBoats on the River Thurne,which flows close to Martham (Image: Newsquest)

"There are many good points about these applications but one of our aims is to reduce the need to travel for work," he said, adding: "There are few employment opportunities around, where will they come from?"

In response, Tony Wright, chairman of the committee, said: "This is an issue that needs to be looked at in the future but this is an exceptional scheme that helps to deliver our housing needs."

All the schemes were approved unanimously.