An "unspoilt" Norfolk village is set for major expansion under new housing proposals. 

Plans lodged with South Norfolk Council could see 35 homes built off Stocks Hill in Bawburgh, near Norwich.

The village has previously been described as one of the "most attractive" in the region and is currently home to just over 500 people.

However, these new proposals could see the population grow by around 10pc and have already attracted letters of objection from the local parish council. 

The plans set out designs for 35 new homes across roughly five acres of farming land opposite the village hall. 

Bawburgh pictured in 1983Bawburgh pictured in 1983 (Image: Archant) The size of these properties would range from one to five bedrooms and include some affordable housing. 

Bawburgh is a historic village with a school, church, village hall, pub and a golf course and, with the River Yare running through the centre, is a popular spot for walkers. 

The area is home to around 500 people and if each new home has just two new occupants the population could expand by 13pc. 

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Snowy Bawburgh church pictured in 1994Snowy Bawburgh church pictured in 1994 (Image: Archant) Bawburgh Parish Council has already objected to the proposals amid fears about flood risk on the site and the impact on local heritage. 

During the early 1970s archaeological excavations near Bawburgh revealed evidence of Roman cremation burials. The dig showed that the site had been in use from the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age through to the Roman period.

The village is associated with St Walstan, who was born in the late 10th century and the patron of farm labourers and animals.

St Walstan's well was a centre of pilgrimage in medieval times and a modern reconstruction can still be visited. 

The holy well pictured in 1938The holy well pictured in 1938 (Image: Archant) Representatives for the parish council raised particular concerns about how the new housing development will impacts views of the Church of St Mary and St Walstan. 

The application for 35 new homes will be considered by South Norfolk Council in due course.