Fears that hundreds of new homes could significantly impact a rapidly expanding village have prompted officials to rewrite its local development plan.

Rackheath's substantial growth in the last decade has led the parish council to update the plan, first adopted in 2017, which contains guidelines for the future use and development of village land.

More than 327 houses have been built in the area since 2017 and a further 495 are expected to be completed by 2028, doubling the total population.

Rackheath is undergoing rapid developmentRackheath is undergoing rapid development (Image: Google) This has forced the local authority to review the plan's aims and outcomes to ensure the village is not being overdeveloped. 

A spokesman said: "The community understands the need to accommodate housing growth, however, new developments in Rackheath could erode the very qualities that make the parish a community if not carefully managed in terms of scale, design and impact.

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"Rackheath's growth must be more than about meeting housing numbers; new developments should contribute to the character of the parish and provide greater local benefits."

The Greater Norwich Local Plans shows Rackheath is set for even further growth over the next several decadesThe Greater Norwich Local Plans shows Rackheath is set for even further growth over the next several decades (Image: Greater Norwich Local Plan) The new neighbourhood plan, which is currently in its first consultation phase, will help shape developments within Rackheath until 2045 by focusing on the design and implementation of future large-scale development, therefore minimising the impact on locals. 

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By bringing the 2017 plan up to date, the parish council hopes to address changes in building legislation that have been implemented since and adhere to the aims of the Greater Norwich Local Plan which was adopted by the region in March this year.

The revised plan will oversee the planning and provision of future developmentsThe revised plan will oversee the planning and provision of future developments (Image: Rackheath Parish Council) Despite this, no changes will be made to the number of new homes promised for Rackheath over the next decade.

Locals can read a copy of the updated plan at the village pavilion until January 6, after which it will be submitted to Broadland District Council for examination and to determine whether it needs to go to a local referendum.

If approved, it will become part of the statutory development plan for the area.