Villagers have been told they should embrace plans for almost 4,000 homes on the outskirts of Norwich as they progress to the next stage.

It comes after the Rackheath Masterplan, which will see 3,850 new homes built on land north of Green Lane West along with two new primary schools, a new secondary school and office space, was put to the public in a series of consultations.

Following the meetings, local councillor and Broadland District Council Conservative leader, Fran Whymark, said the time for arguing over whether the plans should go ahead was over and that the community had to focus on getting the best deal for the village.

He said he was working towards ensuring a medical centre was part of the plans and was glad to see a high school he had been pushing for was included in the latest proposal.

Mr Whymark said: "Of course people don't want more development, but this has been on the cards for a long while and we need to embrace it to get the best for the community.

Norwich Evening News: Broadland District Council Conservative leader, Fran Whymark Broadland District Council Conservative leader, Fran Whymark (Image: Denise Bradley)

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"There is a lot about this development that will benefit the community.

"The community buildings will be really beneficial, the community infrastructure levy could be really well invested in the community too.

"This has been coming since 2008 and now we need to decide what form we want it to take and how to secure the best infrastructure around it.

"I'm working really hard on the medical centre and hopefully we can have it agreed by next week at the latest, it just needs to be passed by the county council's flooding team."

He also said he would like to see a leisure centre built as part of the plans in order to allow people of all ages to take part in physical activity even if they do not like sport.

Norwich Evening News: Rackheath where 3,850 homes are planned to be builtRackheath where 3,850 homes are planned to be built (Image: Newsquest)

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Developers Taylor Wimpey said they were listening to the community while forming the plans.

A spokeswoman said: "We would like to thank everyone who attended our public consultation events to view the amendments we have made to the masterplan for our development in North Rackheath, following our previous consultation.

“We understand the importance of listening to the community and, as before, we will consider all feedback as we finalise our outline planning application.”

The developer is expected to submit its outline planning application next month.

Rackheath Parish Council declined to comment on the consultation.